Do your part this Earth Day by taking small steps each day, which can lead to big changes overtime. You can also set the example and encourage others to do the same by following these easy Earth Day tips:

At Home:

• Stop using disposable plastics, especially single-use plastics like bottles, bags and straws.
• Recycle paper, plastic, and glass.
• Use environmentally-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products.
• Replace inefficient incandescent light bulbs with efficient CFLs or LEDs.
• Donate your old clothes and home goods instead of throwing them out. When you need something, consider buying used items.
• Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth.
• Take short showers to save water.
• Use cloth towels instead of paper ones.
• Change your paper bills to online billing. You will be saving trees and the fuel it takes to deliver your bills by truck.
• Bring reusable bags when you shop.
• Buy organic food to keep your body and the environment free of toxic pesticides. Support farmers and companies who use organic ingredients.
• Grow your own organic garden.
• Turn off lights when you leave a room.
• Turn off and unplug electronics you are not using. This includes turning off your computer at night.
• Use energy-efficient appliances and electronics.

At Work:

• Read documents online instead of printing them.
• When you need to use paper, make sure it is 100% post-consumer recycled paper.
• Set your office printer to print two-sided.
• Collect used printer, fax, and copier cartridges to recycle.
• Use reusable bottles for water, and reusable mugs for coffee.
• Pack your lunch in a reusable bag.
• Turn off lights when you leave a room.
• Turn off and unplug electronics you are not using. This includes turning off your computer at night.
• Carpool, ride your bike, use public transportation or drive an electric or hybrid car to work.
• Turn off and unplug electronics you are not using. This includes turning off your computer at night.

For additional resources and tips, visit City of Irvine’s Zero Waste webpage.