Set sprinklers to water the lawn or garden only - not the street or sidewalk.
Use the microwave to cook small meals. (It uses less power than an oven.)
Purchase "Green Power" for your home's electricity. (Contact your power supplier to see where and if it is available.)
Scrape, rather than rinse, dishes before loading into the dishwasher; wash only full loads.
Cut back on air conditioning and heating use if you can.
Turn off appliances and lights when you leave the room.
Attention environmentally conscious shoppers: Many retail companies are reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy and launching various green initiatives.
"Sustainability is increasingly valued by consumers, and companies are finding that there is a financial incentive to take action," said Timothy Treadwell, the environmental director for energy risk management company Juice Energy Inc.
A list of some of the largest companies going "green":
Kohl's Corp. is working to complete one of the largest rooftop solar projects in U.S. history next year, with installations at 63 of their 80 California locations.
United Parcel Services Inc. operates the largest alternative fuel and low-emission fleet in the industry, and is streamlining delivery routes to eliminate more than 28.5 million miles of driving to date.
Timberland Co. recently introduced "green" index tags on its products, which rate environmental factors such as use of solvents and organic content. The company plans to become "carbon neutral" by 2010 and recently changed all packaging for its footwear to 100 percent recycled boxes and soy inks.
Target Corp. reduces wastes through food-donation programs, giving away nearly 7 million pounds of food last year. The company is also developing onsite solar electricity at some of its stores.
Patagonia Inc., an outdoor apparel distributor, recycles old fleece for use in its new products.
Tell us. What is your business doing to be GREEN?
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