Support your Local Farms!
It typically takes about 4-7 days before food gets to your local market, and on average it is shipped 1500 miles before getting sold. Buying from local farmers is not just about getting organic produce. To learn more link to: http://www.localharvest.org/buylocal.jsp Help preserve your environment and strengthen our food security by supporting your local farmers.
(Green Emanu-El is a subcommittee of the Emanu-El Environment Committee.)

Consider Wet Cleaning!
Wet cleaning is a water-based alternative to dry cleaning that is safe for you, your clothes, and the environment. Check your neighborhoods, since this method could be offered at equal performance and cost. There is growing evidence that the chemical used in dry cleaning can cause damage to our health and the environment. http://www.deq.state.va.us/osba/factsheets/wetclean.html You'll not only help do your part for the environment, but you'll protect your health as well.
(Green Emanu-El is a subcommittee of the Emanu-El Environment Committee.)

Consider Dressing Green!
Natural, chemical free clothing is not widely available, nor necessarily at a reasonable price. However, this is changing and we are seeing even more stylish green clothing. Keep in mind that buying even partially green clothes helps lessen your own contact with chemicals and develop the market. http://www.environmentaldefense.org/documents/170_Nov99%2Epdf Reduce your impact on the environment, and live a healthier life.
(Green Emanu-El is a subcommittee of the Emanu-El Environment Committee.)

A Word About Plastic Codes
The Society of Plastic Industries devised a code to inform consumers about the type of plastic used to make a plastic container. The code is typically placed in the bottom of a bottle. The mere presence doesn't mean the bottle is recycled or recyclable. Chasing arrows and triangles is confusing. To learn more link to: http://www.greenseal.org/certification/international.cfm When in doubt about symbols ask, that way suppliers are aware of your interest in buying recycled.

Buy a Hybrid
A hybrid combines gasoline and electric engine and this type of vehicle is intended to reduce reliance on gasoline. There are currently five types of hybrid vehicles on the market, and each offers a range of options that will your reduce impacts on the environment. If your in the market for a new car, consider a hybrid. To learn more link to: http://www.ucsusa.org/publications/greentips/505-how-to-buy-a-hybrid-car.html Make a statement about your desire to protect the environment.

What can consumers do to reduce waste?
One way to reduce waste is to encourage business to reduce or eliminate waste associated with wrapping merchandise. Waste reduction can occur in several market stages prior to getting to the consumer. Many organizations across the country are saving millions of dollars by wrapping products in bulk while in transit to their store destinations. Consumers can further encourage business to reduce the amount of wrapping used to package merchandise at stores. We can further reduce wrapping, but using less or eliminating colorful tissues, ribbons, and bags. There are times when we may want something wrapped in a more special way, but the next time you make a purchase consider your choices. Support businesses efforts to develop stronger policies that benefit the environment. Learn more by linking to: http://www.recycle.cc/tips.htm
(Green Emanu-El is a subcommittee of the Emanu-El Environment Committee.)

What is Smart Growth?
One of most significant contributions to environmental pollution results from vehicle emissions. Urban sprawl results in part to pursue affordable housing and it is a major reason people are driving more. Smart Growth is a development approach that creates communities with housing for all near transit, jobs, and shopping. Communities need to advocate support for public policies like Smart Growth to facilitate individual actions that will lead to a better environment. Learn more by linking to: http://www.greenbelt.org
(Green Emanu-El is a subcommittee of the Emanu-El Environment Committee.)

Learn About Your Water Footprint!
People use lots of water for drinking, cooking and washing, but even more to produce things such as food and other goods. The production of cotton and rice are highly water intensive. Individual water conservation actions are important, but as or more important is the need to set appropriate water conservation policies to reflect the real cost of goods and services. Learn more by linking to: http://www.waterfootprint.org
(Green Emanu-El is a subcommittee of the Emanu-El Environment Committee.)

Learn About Your Ecological Footprint!
The Ecological Footprint is a measure of the amount of nature it takes to sustain a given population over the course of a year. By making life style choices, such as riding public transportation you can reduce your footprint. If public transportation options are limited, as a society it is more difficult to take the actions necessary to reduce our impacts. Our public policies should support actions to decrease adverse global impacts. Learn more by linking to: http://www.ecologicalfootprint.org
(Green Emanu-El is a subcommittee of the Emanu-El Environment Committee.)

Recycle batteries responsibly!
Requirements to manage the disposal of batteries can differ amongst states. At minimum they are considered a "Universal Waste" which is a hazardous waste generated by several sectors of society, including households. This includes AAA, AA, C, D, button cell, 9 Volt, and all others, both rechargeable and single use batteries. Automobile batteries are regulated differently. By recycling your batteries you will set a good example to everyone to protect our environment and protect our health. To learn more about how to properly recycle your batteries link to: http://www.batteryrecycling.com/household.html

Grind and recycle your shoes!
Many materials are used to make a shoe. Nike is making efforts to process used shoes back into any many of the original materials as possible. This requires an analysis of what is cost-effective based on energy input, raw material demand and availability, and other factors. If your shoes are too worn out for reuse, get them recycled into new shoes or playground mats. To learn more link to: http://www.nike.com/nikebiz/nikebiz.jhtml?page=27&cat=reuseashoe&subcat=grind.
(Green Emanu-El is a subcommittee of the Emanu-El Environment Committee.)