Look for opportunities to add sustainability tenets in:
Shopping
- food
- local
- organic
- try a CSA for fresh produce
- go vegetarian!
- cleaning products - opt for products based on natural ingredients
- paper products - opt for ones with high recycled content
- clothing - look at labels for point of origin and materials
- furniture - if wood, look for the FSC label
- Habitat for Humanity Restore for home improvement items
Recycling - make sure you give these another life:
- paper and cardboard
- aluminum, glass and plastic
- books to a local library
- furniture - local shelter, thrift shop, Goodwill, Salvation Army, DAV, etc
- clothing - local shelter, thrift shop, Goodwill, Salvation Army, DAV, etc
- check out Earth911 to find a local recycler for hazardous waste or other items
Refuse
- old prescriptions - CVS will take them
- broken small and medium electronics - Best Buy will take them for free
- computers - Staples, Best Buy
- batteries to the local hazardous waste facility (do not put in trash)
- paint
Other resources
- Freecycle - to get rid of things that are still useable for free - post your item and someone local may come pick it up!
- Ebay - sell especially small & light or specialty items
- Craigslist - sell heavier items (no postage!)
Investments
- choose companies and mutual funds that invest in a socially conscious way
Community
- use public transportation whenever possible
- if you are moving, look for a location with services within walking distance
- preserve and protect open spaces