What are sustainable ecological practices?

You do them every day without thinking but with a little extra effort you can put even more into play!

~reduce single-use plastics

~shop more responsibly for less packaging and products that are more eco-friendly including cleaning products, health and beauty products and food

~support sustainable agriculture (it protects the environment, conserves water, and maintains the land and resources for future generations

~reduce energy consumption (your mom said to turn off the lights when you leave the room right? You can also lower heat when you're not there, use LED bulbs and energy-reducing appliances, and open windows rather than crank the A/c)

~conserve water - some ideas include using run-off water for your plants, use rain barrels, and group plants with similar water needs

~recyle but try to reduce and reuse first since much of our household recycling is not finding a second life

~use renewable energy sources

~grow your own food and teach the next generations to do so

~winter sow your plants rather than using grow lights

~support climate action initiatives

~plant native plants for your area, including sustainable trees

~reduce carbon footprint from travel - carpool, walk, bike, use public transportation, etc

~minimize electronic waste, and recycle it when possible

~conserve natural habitats in your yard and public spaces

~educate others about wildlife conversation, let them know why you don't cut your garden to the ground in fall and why you don't have to rake every leave away

~include bird and bee habitats in your yard and leave some of the space wild. Manicured lawns need not be a goal!

~plant for pollinators - their numbers are dwindling and there are so many things we can do to help

~Avoid pesticides

~reduce light and noise pollutions - use timers and motion-activated lights and cameras

~compost your food and yard waste

~use your voice and voting power~