Buy an existing home instead of having a new one built.

Reusable coffee filters. Choose unbleached paper filters or filters bleached without chlorine. Look for reusable stainless steel or cloth filters.

Cloth table napkins.

Rechargeable batteries.

Cloth diapers.

Store food in reusable plastic containers with lids instead of throwaway cling wrap.

Sturdy plastic utensils dishes. for picnics, parties and camping.

Reusable containers to replace plastic wrap.

Share tools + equipment with neighbors.

Capture rainwater in a barrel to water your lawn with.

Bring gifts wrapped in reusable gift bags or boxes.

Get creative with your wrapping. Try the comic section of the newspaper, an old magazine, or use the gift itself as wrapping, such as pottery or a flower pot.

Natural Alternatives

Green substitutes to commercial household products

Rid your kitchen of cockroaches! They dislike the smell of pandan leaves, so place them in your cabinets to keep those pets away.

Problems with mosquitoes? Keep them at bay by burning lemon grass oil or lemon grass scented candles.

A natural recipe for ant prevention is salt, ground cloves and taclum powder sprinkled on your table top.

Vinegar can make your mirrors, glass tops, windows and wall tiles clean and shiny. Just dip some newspaper in a vinegar and water mixture and clean.

With a brush and little scrub, a cupful of vinegar poured into the toilet bowl and left overnight will leave it squeaky clean.

Eliminate odours from your fridge! Arrange four or five lemon slices on the shelves and in the door of an empty fridge and leave it for a few hours before removing.

Freshen up your microwave oven and your kitchen at the same time! Just place sliced lemons in a bowl of water.Heat on a high setting of four minutes and let it stand with the microwave door open.

Give your cooking a richer flavour and aroma, use banana leaves to bake or grill your food instead of aluminium foil.

Recycling for a party

Pop in refillable bottles.

Ceramic plates or reusable plastic + glasses instead of disposables.

Store your party decorations for the next time.

Make your own wine + beer and refill your used bottles so you can refill your guests' glasses for less.

If you are catering in, order from a company that delivers in reusable containers with next day pick-up.

Buy or rent reusable plates, utensils + glasses. Some rental companies will even wash the dishes for you.

Use cloth napkins + towels instead of paper.