small changes = BIG IMPACT

As the weather patterns get weirder, and it snows in Texas and record heat waves in California, we forget that small changes CAN add up to BIG impacts. Here are some tips to get you started:

POWER DOWN
A computer turned off uses at least 65% less energy than a computer left on. sustainability.georgetown.edu/community-engagement/things-you-can-do/#

DRIVE LESS
When it isn’t possible to use an alternate form of transportation, try taking it easy on the gas and brakes, regularly servicing your car, keeping your tires properly inflated, using cruise control on highways, removing unneeded cargo, and reducing air conditioning when also will help you use less fuel. epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions

EAT MORE PLANTS
Plant-based food production produces fewer CO2 emissions than meat, especially red meat. Try swapping out just a few meals a week with plants. wri.org/data/protein-scorecard

WASTE LESS FOOD
Inventory what is in your fridge and pantry before going to the store to prevent overbuying. Plan at least three meals a week, so you don’t need to shop to “be prepared for anything.” Eat leftovers promptly, and freeze them. Buy less-than-perfect produce. Produce in your crisper drawer past its prime may be great for stir-frying and soups, or try a compost pile. feedingamerica.org/our-work/reduce-food-waste

SWAP YOUR CLOTHES
Find a friend or relative who has a style you love and is about the same size as you, and do a clothing swap. Or buy resale. If you have sewing skills, “Frankenstein” your clothing, combining different garments into one-of-a-kind fashion statements. genevaenvironmentnetwork.org/resources/updates/sustainable-fashion/

PLANT A TREE
When selecting a tree, work with an expert to make sure the tree is native to your region and will support your local habitat. You also can volunteer with a tree-planting charity. New Leaf Paper proudly partners with One Tree Planted, a nonprofit dedicated to global reforestation. For every New Leaf Paper order, we donate to plant a tree, plus we use recycled content in all of our products, which means we SAVE trees. So far, we have saved over ONE MILLION trees.

Small changes to your daily habits can add up fast to create BIG impacts. Imagine how much progress could be made if everybody made a few easy changes to their daily routines!