October Tips

What?
Preserve resources and prevent waste by canceling phone book delivery.

How?
It's easy. Visit www.yellowpagesgoesgreen.org and fill-out the "Opt Out" form. They'll contact publishers in your area and ask them to stop delivery.

Why?
19 million trees are felled to produce the over 500 million phone books printed in the US each year. What makes it even worse is that the Internet has rendered phone books obsolete.

Did You Know?
It's more than just trees that are wasted. 7.2 million barrels of oil are consumed in the production of phone books each year.

Okay, But How Hard Is It?
As easy as never tripping over a phone book on your doorstep again.

What?
Be an environmental star by replacing inefficient appliances with Energy Star models.

How?
Got appliances purchased prior to 1990? Get rid of ‘em. Your new Energy Star models will pay for themselves in utility savings.

Why?
Energy Star appliances use between 10-70% less energy than conventional counterparts.

Did You Know?
A refrigerator with an upper or lower freezer consumes 10-15% less energy than a side-by-side model.

Okay, But How Hard Is It?
As easy as making a one-time purchase that pays you back.

What?
Protect your health – and that of the planet – by eating organic.

How?
Look for USDA organic certification when you buy produce, dairy products and other staples. Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and farmers' markets are good sources of organic products.

Why?
Buying organic is the only way to ensure that your food is free of pesticides, hormones and antibiotics. It also supports sustainable farming, which improves, instead of depleting, the soil.

Did You Know?
US beef is banned in Europe because of the use of growth hormones. To go hormone-free, choose organic beef.

Okay, But How Hard Is It?
As easy as forgoing chemicals in favor of nutrients.

What?
Create less waste by thinking twice before you buy.

How?
Ask yourself: Do I really need this? If the answer is yes, follow these simple rules: 1) Buy the one with the least packaging. 2) Buy reusable, not disposable. 3) Buy in bulk.

Why?
The average American generates about 4.6 pounds of garbage per day.

Did You Know?
In addition to reducing waste, buying in bulk can produce savings of over 30%.

Okay, But How Hard Is It?
As easy as reining in your itch to buy.

What?
Save money and prevent waste by taking a sustainable approach to Halloween costumes.

How?
Organize a costume swap. Buy from thrift stores. Pull from your existing wardrobe. Or craft your own handmade getup. No matter what, just don't buy a ready-made, disposable costume.

Why?
There's nothing as wasteful as buying a new outfit that you wear once and throw away.

Did You Know?
In 2008, total consumer spending on Halloween was an estimated $5.77 billion in the US.

Okay, But How Hard Is It?
As easy as pulling together a costume that's a bit more hallowed.

What?
Using dimmable lights has benefits for your home, your wallet, and your earth.

How?
Install dimmable light switches throughout your home. Then, when lights are in use, adjust the brightness to the lowest setting that works for you.

Why?
Dimming your lights reduces the amount of energy flowing to the bulb. Plus, it creates a more soothing and attractive ambience.

Did You Know?
A pound of CO2 is released for every kilowatt-hour of energy used. That's the equivalent of leaving one 100-watt bulb on for ten hours.

Okay, But How Hard Is It?
As easy as getting someone handy to install a few dimmers.

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