We’re sharing more practical green tips inspired by True Green by Kim McKay and Jenny Bonnin. I first noticed the book while waiting at a downtown hair salon and found it full of simple, encouraging ideas. Below are easy, realistic changes you can start implementing today to reduce waste, save energy, and create a healthier home and workplace. Pick a few to try, leave a copy of a green guide in a shared space, and let these small habits add up.
1. Replace disposable coffee cups at work with a ceramic mug. Keep a set of reusable utensils and a plate at the office so you don’t rely on single-use plastic.
2. Leave grass clippings on the lawn after mowing. Mulching the clippings returns nutrients to the soil and helps grass stay healthy with less effort.
3. Start composting. A home compost bin is easier than it seems and reduces food waste while enriching garden soil.
4. Grow fruits and vegetables even if you start small. A basil or tomato plant is low-maintenance and helps you avoid pesticides while saving money.
5. Use eco-friendly cleaning products and dispose of paints and solvents at dedicated recycling centers so they don’t contaminate waterways.
6. Keep your freezer at -5°F and refrigerator at 40°F. Temperatures colder than needed increase energy use without improving food safety.
7. Dress for the thermostat. Wear a sweater when it’s cool and lighter clothing when it’s warm. Small adjustments to personal comfort can cut heating and cooling costs.
8. Turn off lights and electronics when you leave a room. If you won’t return within a few minutes, shut devices off to save energy.
9. Use fans to circulate air. An oscillating table fan or ceiling fan reduces reliance on air conditioning and keeps rooms comfortable at higher thermostat settings.
10. Limit shower time to five minutes or use a low-flow showerhead. Shorter showers greatly reduce water usage without changing routines too much.
11. Recycle regularly. Recycling programs are simple in many areas and help keep materials out of landfills. If your community offers curbside or drop-off recycling, take advantage of it.
12. Reuse printer cartridges. Many office supply stores accept empty cartridges for recycling or remanufacturing and may offer store credit.
13. Advocate for paper reduction at work. Encourage duplex printing (double-sided) and place paper recycling bins in shared areas to cut waste.
14. Add indoor plants to your home and office. Plants can improve air quality and contribute to a healthier indoor environment.
15. Shut down computers at night. Turning off workplace computers each evening saves energy over leaving them in standby all the time.
16. Use reusable shopping bags. Fabric bags are inexpensive, hold more than flimsy disposable bags, and reduce plastic and paper waste.
17. Choose Energy Star appliances. Energy-efficient appliances lower utility bills and are widely available at prices comparable to standard models.
18. Borrow books and rent movies from libraries or rental services rather than buying every title. It reduces packaging, clutter, and resource use.
19. Consider a fuel-efficient vehicle when it’s time to replace a car. Higher mileage and lower fuel consumption save money and reduce emissions over time.
20. Support local businesses for goods and services you use regularly. Local vendors often have smaller supply chains and close ties to community sustainability.
These tips are approachable ways to make a positive environmental impact without dramatic lifestyle changes. Which five can you start this week? Do you have other quick eco-friendly habits to recommend?
Update – Two projects we completed since writing this were converting an older toilet to a dual-flush model and building a rain barrel to capture water for outdoor use—both practical steps that save water and energy at home.
