• Use dishtowels and cloth napkins instead of paper products.  They’re more absorbent and prettier, anyway.
• Use cool water to rinse dishes as you load the dishwasher.
• Let the dishes in the dishwasher air dry.
• Fill a basin instead of washing directly under running water when washing dishes by hand.
• Switch to non-toxic soaps and cleansers for everyday tasks—they’re better for the environment AND safer for kids.  Baking soda, for instance, is helpful for removing stubborn food and stains from pots and pans.
• Install a high-quality water filter instead of buying bottled water.
• Install a faucet aerator—you’ll get the same cleaning power with less water. 
• Vacuum the coils behind (or under) your refrigerator regularly.

Recipes for Earth Day

More Earth-Friendly Ideas