If any of you in the Tulsa area are like me and are looking for ways to become “greener”, I’ve got a list of 10 easy things for us to try!  If each of us take just one of these suggestions, we’ll make a very big impact on our combined carbon footprint!

1. Recycle your paper, cardboard, magazines, glass, aluminum cans…everything your local recycling center will take.
2. Visit the library instead of buying books.  Another great idea, for all of you book readers out there, is a web site called paperbackswap.com.   
3. Unplug your cell phone charger when you’re not using it and the same goes for your computer when you’re not using it.   
4. Save money on paper and ink when printing from home.  Decrease margins, print in black ink only and use both sides of the paper.  Make sure to recycle your ink cartridges as well.   
5. Reduce packaging by looking for products like concentrated detergent.
6. Purchase rechargeable batteries and a charging station.  You will get dozens of uses out of a battery that would otherwise be used once.
7. Look for Energy Star appliances or electronic devices.  They may cost a little more up front, but usually they pay for themselves in energy savings.
8. Lower the temperature on the water heater.  It consumes lots of energy by heating water even when not in use.  By lowering it to 120 degrees, you’ll save on your utility bill to boot and it will be a lot safer if you have children in the house!
9. Don’t idle – you’ll save gas and emissions by turning off the car instead of idling.
10. Turn off the water when brushing your teeth and use low-flow showerheads in the shower.

So let’s start today, which will you try first?

If you are interested in local information for the Tulsa area you can click on http://www.directoryoftulsa.com/