1. Let the laundry pile up - and leave the dishes for awhile. By waiting until clothes are truly dirty (not just worn) and until you have a full load, you can reduce the emissions required to run your washer. Same goes for dishes - dishwashers can actually be quite energy and water efficient if they are run on a full load.

2. Get your food delivered - Instead of making a trip to the grocery store, consider getting a seasonal box of organic locally grown produce delivered to your door. According to a University of Exeter study, on average, lower carbon emissions result from delivering a vegetable box than making a trip to a local farm shop. Considering that most food at your local supermarket is processed and packaged from regions around the world, you're reducing some serious food miles.

3. Work your neighbours and friends - For other groceries and essentials, consider switching off with a neighbour to make the weekly trip. Rather than two vehicles heading for the same destination every week, you can let your neighbour do some of the heavy lifting while you kick back and have a beer. With other trips, instead of driving, see if you can bum a ride from a friend. (Of course, you'll have to return the favour every once in awhile!)

4. Shop online - Gift shopping too big a chore? Ditch the shops and jump online. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, reports that "desktop shoppers" are estimated to reduce substantial emissions by reducing the number of trips made in cars. "Trucks make multiple deliveries per trip, so that impact is reduced," notes ORNL environmental scientist Jesse Miller. Also, while private parcel services add runs based on deliveries, the post makes the same number of runs regardless of package deliveries, so there is no net gain with them.

5. Leave grass clippings on the lawn - they contain great nutrients that are beneficial for your lawn and save landfill space. Cut back on artificial fertilisers and considering mowing less often to help reduce emissions.

3.21 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."