Reduce your carbon footprint

Things you can do daily:

* Turn off the lights, television, computer, and printer when you are finished using them.
* Put your favorite reading chair in front of a window and read by daylight when you can.
* Hang your clothes to dry instead of using the dryer.
* Walk to the store.
* Look for information on where the things you buy are made. Buy as local as you can. The same goes for food. Buy as local as you can. This will often mean choosing to eat only what is in season.
* Eat less meat (especially beef) and dairy.

Things to do once in a while:

* When your light bulbs blow out, replace them with compact fluorescent bulbs.
* Next time you buy or lease a car, make high gas mileage a top priority.
* When you buy a new appliance for your home, look for one with an Energy Star rating.
* Compost, and bring old clothes, particularly those made from natural fibers, to a thrift store or bulk drop-off point. The organics in landfills produce methane.
* Keep your yard green and increase plantings. Plants absorb carbon dioxide.
* Contact elected officials when you see our community greenery threatened.
* Join an environmental organization like the Riverdale Nature Preservancy.

This is part of the April 24, 2008 online edition of The Riverdale Press.

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