Eco-Friendly Tricks

Recycling, using energy-efficient light bulbs and keeping the heat down are all great ways to be kind to the earth at work and at home. But beyond the basics, what more can we do? 

“Humans are consuming one-fourth of the planet’s resources today,” Lorie Wigle, General Manager of the Eco-Technology Program at Intel, tells PINK. “We believe we can reduce household electricity bills by 15 to 30 percent with our products and technologies.”

Intel is reducing computer emissions by making their products more efficient. Wigle adds that turning off your computer when it’s not in use and buying digital CDs and DVDs rather than physical ones are great ways to use technology efficiently. 

Reducing unnecessary clutter, energy and waste helps for the environment and your wallet, too. Try filing taxes and paying bills online, carpooling with family or coworkers and installing low-flow showerheads or faucets.

To fight cold weather, plug drafty areas with door snakes and hang curtains with insulating properties. When it comes to laundry, use the cold cycle to save yourself up to $400 a year. You can also replace many disposable items (razors, ink cartridges and batteries) with reusable ones.

Bonus PINK Link: Read more about Wigle and PINK’s other Top Women in Sustainability, with a 2011 focus on women from corporate America.

By Caroline Cox

“The difference between animals and humans is that animals change themselves for the environment, but humans change the environment for themselves.” Ayn Rand