Conscious Comments November 1, 2012 | Page 7

1.

TURN OFF COMPUTERS

AT NIGHT

By turning off your computer instead of leaving it in sleep mode, you can save 40 watt-hours per day. That adds up to 4 cents a day, or $14 per year. If you don't want to wait for your computer to start up, set it to turn on automatically a few minutes before you get to work, or boot up while you're pouring your morning cup 'o joe

2. DON'T RINSE

Skip rinsing dishes before using your dishwasher and save up to 20 gallons of water each load. Plus, you're saving time and the energy used to heat the additional water.

3. DO NOT PRE-HEAT THE OVEN

Unless you are making bread or pastries of some sort, don't pre-heat the oven. Just turn it on when you put the dish in. Also, when checking on your food, look through the oven window instead of opening the door.

4. DIAPER WITH A

CONSCIENCE

By the time a child is

toilet trained, a

parent will change

between 5,000 and 8,000 diapers, adding up to approximately 3.5 million tons of waste in U.S. landfills each year. Whether you choose cloth or a more environmentally-friendly disposable, you're making a choice that has a much gentler impact on our planet.

5. HANG DRY

Get a clothesline or rack to dry your clothes by the air. Your wardrobe will maintain color and fit, and you'll save money.Your favorite t-shirt will last longer too.

WRAP CREATIVELY

You can reuse gift bags, bows and event paper, but you can also make something unique by using old maps, cloth or even newspaper. Flip a paper grocery bag inside out and give your child stamps or markers to create their own wrapping paper that's environmentally friendly and extra special for the recipient.

6 Simple Ways to Help Save the Planet

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