Be Green!
Easy Conservation Tips YOU Can Do to Help!
Reduce and Reuse
Bring reusable bags to the grocery store instead of using new
plastic or paper bags
When you can, purchase things in bulk and with minimal
packaging
Find ways to reuse containers (ex. Storage, art projects)
Reduce your water and electricity usage in your home
Use reusable containers to pack lunches instead of plastic ziplock bags
Shop locally. Buy food and products in your community to
reduce pollution caused by shipping products by truck, ship or
plane and build economy in your community
Recycle
Find out what your city will accept
Donate old clothing, furniture and toys to charity
Compost the materials that you can
Cell Phones and Printer Cartridges- Drop off your old cell
phone and used printer cartridges at the admissions booth and
the Zoo will receive money for our conservation efforts
Most recyclable items are used on a daily basis: paper, glass,
aluminum and cardboard and can all be added to the recycle bin
instead of the trash can
Reward
Purchase products that you know are made by Green companies
Try solar power. The panels pay for themselves in ten to
fifteen years and have an operating life of 25 years or more,
and can include regulatory and financial incentives depending on
the region
Reach Out To Your Community
Organize a clean up day
If you live in a neighborhood that isn't required to recycle,
make sure your neighbors know how and where to recycle.
Contact your local Waste Management Facility Hotline to find
out local recyclable drop off sites
Set a positive example for your friends and family
Ride Share start carpools with co-workers or parents for
school and activities
Tips from Centex Homes for being environmentally friendly at home:
In the Kitchen:
• The refrigerator uses the more energy than any other home appliance. Try to open the door as infrequently as possible and only keep it open for short periods.
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Keep your refrigerator set between 38 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Turn off your oven 15 minutes early, the oven will stay hot long enough to finish cooking your food without actually being on.
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Dont open the oven door during baking. Every time you open the door, the temperature inside drops about 25 degrees.
• Using glass dishes for cooking, instead of metal, will shorten your cooking time.
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Fill the sink with enough water rather than letting the water run while doing your dishes.
In the Laundry Room:
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Most of the energy used to wash clothes is for heating the water. Use cold water to wash clothes whenever possible.
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Wash and dry only full loads and be sure to use the proper water level setting.
• Use your clothes dryer during the cooler parts of the day, such as morning and evening. Or better yet, hang your clothes outside to dry.
In the Bathroom:
• Turn off the water when brushing your teeth or shaving.
• Repair a leaking pipe or dripping tap immediately.
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A short shower will use much less water than taking a bath.
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Set your water heater to 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
Throughout your Home:
• Heating and cooling your home can use a lot of energy. Each degree on your thermostat will make a difference. Set your thermostat as high as you can during the summer and as low as possible during the winter. 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter are good targets to strive for.
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Turn off your appliances and lights when you arent using them.
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Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)are four times more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs and provide the same lighting. Use CFLs in all the portable table and floor lamps in your home.
If your city has a local recycling program, participate. Recycle paper, plastic, aluminum and glass whenever possible. If you cant recycle, then aim to re-use whenever possible.