Happily, many of the things that you can do to save the planet help your wallet and waistline at the same time. We've broken these tips into thing you can do at home, at work, and at Park Street. At home, we've further broken them down into steps that involve little effort (first steps) and those that take a greater commitment (bigger steps).

You're likely to already be doing some of these things. Some may not fit into your life at all. We're asking you to implement as many as seem reasonable in your current situation.

Also be sure to check out our resources page for how to go about doing these things. There you will find many books, websites, and other great sources of information.

At Home (first steps)

General Ideas:

• › Check your local town recycling and electronic waste guidelines and separate trash accordingly.
• › If your town does not recycle, bring cans to the nearest recycling option rather than throwing them out.
• › Give away/sell/repair things you want to throw away.
• › Walk/carpool/take public transportation.
• › Recycle plastic bags (available at some supermarkets) or buy reusable bags.
• › Turn lights off when you aren't using them.
• › Unplug chargers when they aren't being used (cell phones etc.)
• › Turn off entertainment options when they aren't being used (DVD player for instance.)
• › Replace old light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs.
• › Purchase goods in bulk and/or large containers rather than in small containers.

Laundry:

• › Institute a "Can Be Worn Again" pile.
• › Buy concentrated laundry detergent (so that gas doesn't have to be expended to move water.)
• › Only use as much detergent as necessary.
• › Air-dry clothes whenever plausible.

Cleaning:

• › Clean with white vinegar and baking soda (very cheap and very effective.)
• › Buy biodegradable cleaning supplies.
• › Avoid disposable cleaning supplies (Swiffers, paper towels, etc.)
• › Wash dishes in a tub or equivalent to save soap and water.

Cooking:

• › Use local or organic ingredients when plausible.

Bathroom:

• › Place a brick (or equivalent) in the toilet to decrease the water used in each flush.
• › Take shorter/cooler showers.
• › Wash hair less frequently (less water and shampoo.)
• › Turn off the water while you brush your teeth.
• › Unplug electric toothbrushes.
• › Use towels more than once before washing them.

At Home (bigger steps)

General:

• › Live in a smaller space.
• › Spend less energy (and money) on heating and cooling your home.
• › Recycle everything.
• › Look into carbon offsets.
• › Use rechargeable batteries.
• › Run an energy audit of your home and life.
• › Bring your own containers to restaurants for leftovers.
• › Buy a hybrid car/sell your car.

Laundry:

• › Buy energy-efficient appliances.
• › Buy organic detergent.
• › Soak laundry overnight in detergent and water, then run the short cycle.

Cooking:

• › Install energy-efficient appliances.
• › Compost biodegradable waste.

Bathroom:

• › Install a low-flow shower-head.
• › Buy a low-flow toilet.

At Work

• › Make use of available recycling options.
• › If colored paper cannot be recycled, separate carefully.
• › Check to see if the recycling is collected properly.
• › Bring cans home if recycling is unavailable at work.
• › Request additional recycling options.
• › Turn as much as possible off when you leave.
• › Computers (even turning off your monitor while at lunch or in a meeting helps!)
• › Lights (check conference rooms.)
• › If you buy lunch, avoid unnecessary packaging.
• › Bring in a mug or water bottle.
• › Avoid unnecessary printing.
• › Print and copy double-side.

At PSC

• › Walk/carpool/take public transportation.
• › Bring a mug/water bottle to events.
• › Take a used bulletin at the 11:00 am, 4:00 pm, and 6:00 pm services.
• › Recycle your bulletin.
• › Turn lights off when you're done with a room during the week.

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