Environmental responsibility is everyone’s responsibility. Today, instead of having only 17 thousand EPA employees working to protect the environment, we now have over 300 million Americans as environmental partners making environmentally protective choices. By equipping this growing army of environmental stewards with the tools they need to meet today’s challenges, EPA is helping America shift into a green culture.
Buy water-efficient fixtures and products. The WaterSense label helps shoppers identify water efficient products and programs. More about WaterSense.
Fix that leak! Leaky faucets can waste thousands of gallons of water each year. Find out more about saving water.
Shower power: A full bath tub requires about 70 gallons of water, while taking a five-minute shower uses 10 to 25 gallons. More about using water wisely.
Make it a full load. The average washing machine uses 40.9 gallons of water per load. Buy a high-efficiency washer or save up for full loads. More about using water wisely.
Make it a full load. Run your dishwasher only when it's full; use the rinse-and-hold dishwasher feature until you're ready to run a full load. More about using water wisely
Reduce your carbon footprint! Use public transportation, carpool, walk, or bike whenever possible to avoid using your car. Learn about reducing your carbon footprint.
Don’t idle! Remind your school bus driver to turn off the engine when the bus is parked to eliminate harmful pollution. More about reducing engine idling.
Buy or switch to energy efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs. Look for the Energy Star label. Find more energy savings.
eCycle - take your old computers or other electronics to a local recycling center. This helps keep lead, cadmium, and other substances out of the landfill. Find eCycling centers near you.
Check to see how much of your electricity is generated using renewable sources, like wind, solar, or other types. Use the green power locator.
Leaving your car at home twice a week can cut greenhouse gas emissions over 1,500 pounds per year. More ways to reduce greenhouse gas.
As you start your spring cleaning, do a home energy audit and switch to Energy Star products. More ideas for what you can do at home.
Renovating your home? You can build with designs and materials to conserve energy and materials, and save money in the long run. Think green building!
High school students can study links between everyday actions at their high school, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change. See what you can do to help with climate change.
Allow grass clippings to stay on the lawn, instead of bagging them. The cut grass will decompose and return to the soil naturally. More backyard composting ideas.
Don’t fertilize before a rain storm. Your fertilizer - along with your money - washes away down the storm drains. More on greenscaping.
When properly composted, wastes can become natural soil additives for lawns and gardens, and used as potting soil for house plants. More on composting.
Maintain and repair products. Keep appliances in good working order. Follow manufacturers' suggestions for proper operation and maintenance. More ways you can reduce waste.
Be creative about reducing waste. Give pet hamsters or gerbils paper towel and toilet paper cardboard tubes with which to play. Use an egg carton to plant seedlings. Other creative tips to reduce waste.
When you travel, stay at hotels that use less water or energy. Unplug your VCR or other electronics that use electricity even when "off." More ways to save when you travel.
Take reusable bags on shopping trips. Keep them in your car or near your door to remember. Learn more about cutting waste on shopping trips.
Encourage your hometown/state to spend road construction money on the cleanest equipment for air quality. More about "clean diesel" engines and equipment.
Join the Green Culture. By partnering with federal, state and local governments we can all make a difference. Learn about Cooperative Conservation.
During hot weather, don't top off your gas tank. Even a small gas spill adds to air pollution and wastes fuel. Don't top off!
Help reduce acid rain. Carpool, use public transportation, or better yet, walk or bicycle to work or school. More about acid rain.
Protect yourself! In summer, always apply sun block SPF 30 or more to protect your skin from solar UV radiation. Sign up to get free UV alerts.
Protect children from poisoning by household substances. Lock up household pesticides and chemicals in a high cabinet out of the reach of children. More ways to prevent poisoning.
Use pesticides safely, whether at home or in the field. Always following the instructions on the can or container. Read the label first!
On unhealthy air pollution "action alert" days, wait to mow your lawn until it's cooler in the evening or early the next morning. Check your air quality now.
It's easy to stay informed about environmental protection! Sign up for free news emails from EPA.
You can reduce polluted storm water runoff -- simply pick up your pet’s waste; don't leave it to wash away after a rain. More on storm water runoff.
Dry water-damaged items and areas within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Read more about mold.
Take it for granted! Your school, community, or organizations can get grants for research or other activities to protect the environment. Apply for grants from EPA.
Farmers, mechanics, and other businesses can help protect the environment. Find out about compliance assistance for your businesses.
Get on track! Top performing companies "go the extra mile" by cutting pollution more than the law requires. Learn how your company can be recognized for doing more.
Environmental indicators are kinds of data that describe the condition of the land, water, and air. Learn how EPA determines how to protect the environment.
Test your home for radon. Radon is an invisible radioactive gas that causes lung cancer. The only way to know if your home contains high radon levels is to test for it. Get your home tested.
Be extra aware of conditions where older people live. As we age, our bodies become more sensitive. Learn more about reducing exposure for older people.
Exercising outdoors? Use your local air quality forecast to help plan the best time for a workout. Check your local air quality first.
Heading to the beach? Find out about beach water quality before you plan a trip to the shore. Get water quality reports from your state.