• We can reduce disposable items by using canvas shopping bags.

• We can eat green by consuming organic foods and/or by joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) group which will allow one to buy local, organically grown foods;

- For a list of restaurants and retail stores which sell organic produce in your area visit http://www.goodnessgreeness.com/retailers/

- For a list of CSA’s which service the Chicago area, check this list

• We can drink green by carrying non-disposable beverage containers with us (such as water bottles and travel mugs). Using these vessels rather than paper, plastic and Styrofoam disposable containers can really add up to major conservation. We can even increase this effort by carrying a set of silverware so as to avoid plastic eating utensils.

• We can buy recycled products.

• We can use rechargeable batteries.

• We can donate old clothes and other items to local donation centers.

• We can recycle by participating in the city’s blue bag/blue cart program (here)

• We can travel with intention, when possible walking or use other forms of person powered transport (bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, etc.). For longer trips, try public transportation (CTA and/or RTA ). If driving, consider more efficient vehicles and encourage carpooling and rideshare connections. Rather than owning a vehicle, consider sharing one (I-Go Chicago or ZipCars)

• We can be conscious consumers. Avoid products made from the destruction of ancient forests. Our buying decisions do make a difference. We can use recycled writing and photocopying paper; choose recycled toilet paper and use cloth nappies and sanitary products. We can avoid buying Tasmanian Oak (over 75% of Tasmanian Oak is sourced from Old Growth Forests).

• We can locate Chicago businesses that seek to incorporate sustainable principles into their products, services and practices at this site

• We can try limiting the amount of new products that are bought by only purchasing things that are necessary and/or by shopping at thrift stores and garage sales. A lot of free or previously owned merchandise can also be found in online classifieds and sites where people want to get rid of things such as Craig's List, Freecycle and Garbage Scout.

• When an item breaks, we can try contacting the manufacturer for a replacement part (often they will send one for little or no cost) and/or fixing the item rather than buying a new one.

• We can make gifts and cards when possible rather than buying them. We can give the gift of an experience; sharing a day in the park or a free day at a museum, etc. Find creative ways to not spend money.

• We can recycle plastic, cardboard and metal packaging according to the product label

• We can avoid buying things that we cannot practically recycle

• We can refrain from buying things that require fossil fuel for operation

• We can be frugal and "use it up, wear it out, make it do, do without"

• We can void planned obsolescence of cheap products, insisting on quality, durability and upgrade-ability/reparability

• We can gain an understanding of local farmers and farming and the issues that they are facing.

• We can keep domestic pets away from bushland reserves and other frail eco-systems.

• We can choose not to litter. Hang on to litter and cigarette butts until they can be placed in a recycling bin or other appropriate receptacle. Pick up litter when you see it.

• We can use environmentally friendly, biodegradable cleaning products including phosphorus-free detergents and other products.

• We can be sparing with our detergents and cleaners - not using more than the recommended dose, and using the mildest cleaning product needed for the job

• Washing clothes at 30 degrees saves energy, and is just as effective for normally soiled clothes.

• Line or rack drying clothes saves the energy we would use running the dryer and often helps our clothes to stay in better shape much longer.

• Where there's a choice, we can machine wash rather than dry-clean clothes: some dry-cleaning chemicals are toxic and ozone-depleting substances

• We can read the label and follow the proper storage and disposal advice for cleaning products.

• We can choose not to pour cleaning products down the drain unnecessarily: remembering that our drainage ends up in seas and rivers. We can begin to see every drain as a living stream, connected to all the waters of our world.

• We can use natural, biodegradable hygienic products such as shampoos/conditioners, soap, toothpaste, lotions, etc.

• We can try to use less chemicals and non-natural substances; avoiding aerosol cans which are harmful to the ozone layer.

• When gardening, we can recognize that all fertilizer goes into the water table (from which we also drink) and only use natural, non-toxic soil amenders (such as compost, worm tea, manure, bone meal and blood).

• We can compost appropriate organic matter for use in the garden. Urban dwellers may achieve this more easily through vermiculture; the creation and use of worm bins to convert organic scraps into vital, nutritious castings which can feed gardens, yards, and potted plants.

• We can wash our car on the lawn, not the pavement (using biodegradable cleaners) thus making use of otherwise wasted water

• When gardening, we can plant local plants increasing sustainablity and supportive interdependent eco-systems.

• There are alternatives to a grass lawn (which takes a lot of resources to maintain and yet produces little and is not as beneficial to local wildlife). Planting perennials and other plants which give back to the soil can help our yard to thrive rather than grasses and annuals that drain it.

• We can read about the principles of permaculture and consider creative and sustainable ways to approach our gardening.

• Dog owners can be sure to pick up dog poo, as it reduces nutrients in the soil as it breaks down.

• Bread contains large amounts of phosphorus, which when fed to ducks is released into our waterways. If feeding ducks, we can research healthy alternatives to bread.

• We can increase local biodiversity by encouraging a diverse range of local plants and animals in our area.

• Becoming vegetarian could immediately and simply reduce the average American's agricultural share by close to 75%.

• Eating only wild game for meat (non-endangered species) and dropping industrial eggs and grain-fed dairy from our diets could do much the same as becoming vegetarian.

• Eating locally farmed organic produce and local grass-fed meat as the mainstay of our diet could help reduce our agricultural share dramatically.

• Supplying farm-based motive and processing energy from solar sources could by itself reduce the present agricultural footprint by 25%.

• Lowering the thermostat several degrees in winter can save a lot of energy and will likely lower heating bills. Even if lowering temps is not possible all the time, we can try making adjustments when leaving the house for the day or for extended periods of time. One easy way to do this is to purchase a programmable thermostat. We can also save by turning the thermostat down at night and putting an extra blanket on the bed.

• Home owners can make sure that the water heater is in good condition and can keep the water temperature between 115-120 degrees. Even consider getting a tankless water heater that only heats the water needed. Apartment dwellers can consider mentioning this tip to the building owner. The owner will likely appreciate efforts to help them save money.

• We can limit time spent in the shower to cut down on hot water usage. Homeowners can also install aerators to save on the amount of water used while showering .

• We can make sure to turn off the lights when no one is in a room.

• We can shut the doors to rooms that are not used on a regular basis and only heat or cool rooms that are in use much of the time.

• Glass fireplace doors help stop heat from being lost up the chimney. To keep in warmth, close the fireplace damper when not in use.

• Call the energy company to come out and check for leaks and do a proper assessment.

• Call utility companies to lock into a year-round rate. Not all companies offer this - but it's worth checking.

• Keep baseboards and radiators clean and unrestricted by furniture and carpet or drapes.

• Keep air-conditioned filters and vents clean while in use.

• Replace or clean furnace filters monthly. This could save up to 5% on heating bills.

• Use the smallest oven or burner when cooking, or a crock pot, or use the smallest pan possible.

• Don't peek into the oven while items are cooking.

• Defrost foods in the refrigerator before cooking (rather than in stove or microwave).

• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs in standard fixtures.

• Buy Green - many utilities offer rebates in return for purchasing efficient appliances through the Federal Government's Energy Star program.

• Winterize the home. Seal air leaks and add insulation where possible. Weatherize windows and doors using weather-stripping and/or plastic sheeting.

• Curtains and shades can help keep rooms warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

• Use soy candles rather than paraffin candles which are petroleum based.