Use less energy

Buy ONLY what is needed

• Give up frills.
• Make an effort to stop being a consumer.
• Don’t watch advertising; it affects you no matter what you think.
• Buy from local merchants.
• Buy food grown locally.
• Don’t buy styles; buy long term quality.

Evaluate vehicle needs & use

• Combine many auto trips into one.
• Consider a Flexcar.
• Give up one or more vehicles.
• Get a job closer to home.
• Take your vacation at home and relax.
• Consider not flying any more.

Evaluate alternative energy

• This is a big topic; let’s take it in steps:
• Start with small scale solar hot water heating.
• Buy the most efficient appliances.
• Have your home site evaluated for solar use; so you know what will be possible.
• Consider construction of small passive solar solutions, for heat retention.
• Get an estimate for construction of a solar grid-tied system.
• Consider buying a diesel vehicle and using biodiesel fuel.
• Is there a micro hydro power project you could develop?
• Is wind power a possibility for you?

Remodel now

• It is cheaper to make expenditures now because of expected inflation.
• Make needed repairs.
• Clean out septic systems.
• Fix the roof.
• Insulate attic, walls, windows, & doors.
• Build green.
• Consider solar.
• Consider a well.
• Consider composting toilets.

Buy used

• Shop at local thrift stores.
• Visit your neighborhood garage sales.
• Buy used clothes, shoes, coats, linen.
• Buy used building materials.
• Buy antiques and old stuff; it’s trendy, too.
• Sell used things.
• Buy what is durable and will last.

Consider shared ownership

• Buy occasional use items with friends & neighbors.
• Buy a truck together.
• Live with family, a very old idea.
• Move your parents into your house.
• Rent space.
• Own a time share instead of a one owner second home.

Recycle everything you can

• Find out who sells used, the items you need.
• Buy extra used materials you will need soon.
• Reuse all types of containers, especially plastics.
• Learn more about greywater so you can use it safely.
• Consider reusing water.
• Greywater water can be used on some plants.
• Learn as much as you can about recycling and practice it regularly.
• Don’t throw away things if you can give them away or recycle them some way.

Stay home more (ie, use the car less)

• Go out for entertainment less often.
• Develop nearby neighborhood friendships.
• Socialize more with your neighbors.
• Work in your yard.
• Stay home and enjoy your own company.
• Eat at nearby restaurants.

Walk, bike, public transport

• Try NOT using a car for a week; for a month.
• Go shopping on your bike.
• Find the nearest farmers market is; shop there.
• Talk to neighbors about carpooling.
• Combine trips with many stops with your neighbors.
• Get familiar with the buses, especially near home.
• Walk everywhere.

Pollute less

• Find ways to produce less garbage at your home.
• Don’t use the dry cleaners.
• If you burn wood buy the most efficient stove.
• Keep pollutants out of drains.
• Be careful what you do with solvents and oils.
• Buy biodegradable products.
• Recycle everything possible.
• Buy natural products instead of synthetics.
• Stop smoking.

Use less

• Give up some of the things you think you need.
• Buy fewer comfort items.
• Use less water.
• Turn the furnace down; the lights & computer off.
• Cut electricity use and use your furnace less often.
• Use a clothesline not a dryer.
• Discuss with the family what the real necessities are.
• Wear clothing longer before giving it up.
• Grandma used to darn socks.
• Don’t just go shopping; stay out of the malls.
• Make gifts, especially useful gifts, for others instead of buying things.