Sometimes, without even realizing it, our actions harm the local wildlife and forestry that surrounds us. Even the smallest changes to your lifestyle can benefit the environment over time. Here’s 10 small ways to reduce a negative environmental impact with everyday actions.

1. Screw out those incandescent light bulbs…
   …and replace them with eco-friendly compact fluorescent lights (CFL). CFL bulbs last longer while using less energy. This change will save money on your utility bill and manage your household energy waste.
2. Invest in natural electricity sources like solar power.
   While this may have a hefty price tag, natural electricity is worth it in the long run. Solar power saves fossil fuels while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Ask your local municipalities for recycling bins.
   Don’t send your plastic to the dump if it’s able to be recycled and reused. Recycled items are often molded into material that can be used for items like clothing, pencil cases, and park benches.
4. Take aluminum to the nearest scrap yard for some fast cash.
   Start an aluminum can collection. Scrap yards purchase used metals and send them to treatment plants. Here, the aluminum is cleaned, melted, and reused for various purposes.
5. Adjust that thermostat.
   Even a few degrees can save energy and money on your next utility bill. The dollar savings add up!
6. Purchase a reusable water bottle.
   It takes three times the amount of water in a water bottle to make the bottle itself. Save water and invest in a reusable water bottle rather than wasting plastic.
7. Avoid printing unnecessary documents.
   If you don’t absolutely need a hard copy, don’t print it. Utilize technology applications to save paper and trees.
8.  Take shorter showers.
   The average shower spews out 2 gallons per minute. If you reduce that 10 minute shower to a 5 minute shower, you’ll conserve 10 gallons for other uses.
9. Start your own household garden with fruit, veggies, and herbs.
   Pick fresh food right in your backyard while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that trucks use to transport fruits, veggies, and herbs to the local grocery store. Not only that, but you also save money on every grocery run.
10. Carpool, if possible.
    Cars are the number one emitter of greenhouse gas emissions. Conserve fossil fuels by hitching a ride with a friend to the same destination.

CEDARVILLE Engineering Group, LLC (CEG) encourages environmentally friendly actions that benefit our local environment for both the present and future. Call us at 610-705-4500 or email info@cedarvilleeng.com to find out more.

By: J. Auerbach