Reuse it. Some simple steps to save the earth by trimming your trash pile:

• Stop trashing all those used batteries. Switch to rechargeable batteries, which create less waste and save you from constantly spending cash at the checkout.
• Cardboard, plastic, Styrofoam, peanuts… all that trash adds up. Pay attention to how what you buy is packaged, and limit your spending to stuff with slim, recyclable packaging.
• Forget paper and plastic at the grocery store, since the bags get thrown out, creating more trash. Instead, bring cloth bags of your own. If you do use plastic bags, recycle them when you get home.
• You might love coffee – but the earth hates your discarded daily cups. Tomorrow, bring a travel mug to your favorite barista. Some coffee shops even give a discount to earth-conscious customers who sport reusable mugs.

Clean carefully. Dry cleaners use dangerous chemicals that pollute the earth and can harm you, too. Avoid taking clothes to the dry cleaner – hand-wash delicate items instead. (For extra green points, let your clothes air dry.) If you see dry cleaning as your only option, seek out a “green cleaner” that uses non-toxic chemicals that don't pollute the earth. Household cleaners use toxic chemicals too, so try making your own, using ingredients like soap, vinegar and baking soda.

Eat right. Here’s the skinny: cows emit methane, the second most damaging greenhouse gas; meat protein takes fossil fuel to produce; and the livestock process is to thank for using half of all the water consumed in the U.S. If you can’t make the environmentally friendly switch to a vegetarian diet in order to cut back on greenhouse gases, go without meat one or two days a week. Also, try going organic, since organic soils soak up carbon dioxide at high levels, which helps save the earth's atmosphere. For an extra bonus, buy local to save shipping energy costs.

To shop for products that will help you always be green, visit the Always Be Green section of our Greener Store.