Happy Earth Day

This Sunday is Earth Day.  Here are some great environmental tips courtesy of the US Environmental Protection Agency (see more at epa.gov)

-Use public transportation, carpool, walk, or bike whenever possible to reduce air pollution and save on fuel costs. Leaving your car at home just two days a week will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,600 pounds per year.

– A full bathtub requires about 70 gallons of water, but taking a five-minute shower saves water by using 10 to 25 gallons. Put a little timer or clock near your shower so you can see how fast you are.

-Leaky faucets can waste thousands of gallons of water each year, like money down the drain. Repair or replace old or damaged fixtures.

-Keep reusable bags on your car seat or near your door so they are easy to grab when you go. And you can even combine shopping bags – just tell the cashier that you don’t need a bag, then put all your purchases together in one bag just be sure to hang on to your receipts!

-Protect yourself from sun overexposure! In summer, always apply sun block SPF 15 or more to protect your skin from solar UV radiation. Just five or more sunburns can really increase your risk of developing skin cancer.