If any of you in the Fargo-Moorhead area are looking for ways to become “greener”, I’ve got a list of 10 easy things for you to try!  If each of us were to take just one of these suggestions, we’d make a huge impact on our combined carbon footprint!

1. Recycle your paper, cardboard, magazines, glass, aluminum cans…anything that 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 site called paperbackswap.com.
3. Unplug cell phone charges when not in use and turn computers off when not using them.
4. Save money on paper and ink when printing from home.  Decrease margins, print in black ink only and use both side of paper.  Make sure to recycle your ink cartridges as well.  If you don’t want to hassle with that, there is a drop off box in the lobby at the Moorhead Youth Hockey Arena.
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.  It might cost more up front, but usually pays for itself in energy savings.
8. Lower the water heater.  It consumes tons of energy by heating water even when not in use.  By lowering it to 120 degrees, you’ll save utilities 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.

Which one are you going to start with today???

If you are interested in local information for the Fargo-Moorhead area you can click on www.directoryoffargomoorhead.com.