There are still, believe it or not, areas of the US that have not made recycling a mandate for garbage collection. When I lived in MN, it was a widely accepted fact; in TN, voluntary, an added fee, and only a few participate. Purchase a bin for plastic, brown and clear glass and paper and recycle regardless of what your neighbor is doing. Set a proper example and they may follow.

If you have furniture and clothing, consider giving directly to a woman’s shelter, rather than to a charity which has a “store“ to maintain and “sells“ items. Many shelters need furniture, bedding, clothes and toiletries, particularly those single-use small bottles from hotels.

Once a year, go through your home library and donate paperbacks and textbooks you were forced to buy to your local library or www.surplusbooksforcharity.org which sends them around the world.

Eyeglasses have been collected by the Lion’s Club for 15+ years and they redistribute them in developing countries www.lionsclubs.org

When it’s time to redecorate your house, consider giving excess building materials to Habitat for Humanity; they may also be able to used your appliances, if they are not clunkers.

Cell phones should never be tossed in the garbage, for they contain mercury. Collective Good and Phones 4 Charity accept used phones www.collectivegood.com www.phones4charity.org Your cell phone provider will also gladly accept your phones and reprogram them for the elderly to have on hand, if they have an emergency.

Purchase foods grown locally; they will be fresher and less wasteful of packaging and transportation. Bring your own fabric bags to transport groceries home, or sturdy boxes. This year, inspired by Michelle Obama, I created two small raised beds for herbs and vegetables which will be organic and (hopefully) very tasty.

Traveling mindfully is important; plan your trips to save gas, and slow down the pace of life. Try to reduce your carbon footprint by being content with where you are and having less “stuff.” Chart your course so you don’t waste time on the road.

Repair items, rather than buying new. Many replaceable parts for items are now online. I just replaced a refrigerator rack that was obsolete, according to the store of purchase, by going online and surfing directly. Sometimes simple sewing repairs can fix clothing, curtains, bedding and more. Men can learn to sew; women can learn to use tools. Become a handy person.

For green cleaning, use baking soda. It’s a wonder abrasive that is cheap and non-harmful to you and the environment. It also freshens the air, sanitizes litter boxes, and is great in the wash. We’ve gotten so used to the smell of chemicals like “Mr. Clean” but baking soda and water is all that’s needed to wipe away stains, clean off counters, clean shower curtains and restore toilets. Borax is a natural mineral that is also a disinfectant. You can add it to your laundry to whiten towels and it too is cheap!

If you have a car that you are considering selling, donate it to a charity instead. You get a tax deduction and the charity sells the car for what it needs. Even very old cars can be sold for scrap metal, I’ve been told. I’m pretty sure that’s what they did with my old 1996 Jeep!

"Making paper uses more water per ton than any other product in the world. A third of the world’s population is suffering from a shortage of water. Scientists had forecast in 2000 that one in three would face water shortages by 2025, but water experts have been shocked to find that this threshold has already been crossed." (from Worldwatch Institute)