Most everyone is aware of the issues concerning our planet’s environment, but many feel that it is too late to save it. The truth is, there are many ways in which every one of us can help save or improve the earth.

by David Stone

Assorted Ideas, Large & Small

When you save water, save energy and reduce waste in your daily activities you save not only the environment but save yourself money as well.

Here are 13 simple steps you can take to save our earth:

1. Turn off lights and appliances when they aren’t in use, saving energy when not needed.
2. Unplug unused appliances; this will save electricity and also save the environment. (Even when turned off, many appliances – microwaves, coffeemakers and computers, for example – still draw energy.)
3. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth; save not only the environment but save yourself money as well by saving water.
4. Do one load of laundry (or dishwasher) every other day instead of every day; save energy and reduce waste, save yourself time with washing fewer loads of clothing/dishes. 
5. Carpool to save gas money and save the environment.
6. Do not use plastic bags at grocery stores or elsewhere. Reusable bags are more environment-friendly; save the earth by reducing waste, save yourself money because you don’t need to buy any more bags so long as you have what you need at home. As a bonus, thousands of marine and land animals benefit from careless plastic bag disposal.
7. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway/sidewalk/patio/deck. Save water, save energy and save yourself some time by not having to clean a hose.
8. Print only when necessary. Save paper, save the environment and save yourself money because you will not use ink or toner if you do not print anything unnecessary.
9. Use a gas stove instead of an electric one. Save electricity at home and save the environment.
10. Walk, cycle or use public transport. Save gas money and save time by not paying for parking while saving the environment.
11. If you are buying a new appliance, choose one with an energy star label. This saves you money while saving energy and reducing your utilies bill.
12. Use solar power or wind power. Solar panels, for example, can save electricity at home and help save the environment.
13. Recycle your garbage whenever possible. Save the environment and save money by not buying garbage bags so often. In cities, this saves tax dollars by demanding fewer pickups. In the country, save yourself time because you will take fewer trips to the dump.