Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

We often hear about global warming from the media and politicians. Some tell us that the threat is very real and it is affecting our whole planet. Others try to convince us of the very opposite: that it’s all made up and a part of the planet's history of ebbs and flows.

Whatever you believe, we should all try a little harder to reduce our carbon and ecological footprint. Here is a list of easy simple ways for you to reduce your footprint:

1. Use Rain Barrels for outdoor watering. In Holliston you can call 's office (508-429-0601) to inquire how to get one. They can be purchased through the town or go to: www.rainbarrelsource.com.
2. Composting — Again, call the Town Clerk's office and you can purchase a compost bin through the town or go online to www.composting101.com to learn how to compost.
3. Hang up a clothes line in your yard. Instead of using your clothes dryer, hang your clothes outside and they actually smell so much better. You can go to in Milford to buy the retractable line.
4. Start your own vegetable garden and use your own compost to add nutrients to the soil.
5. Walk or bike whenever possible instead of driving.
6. Carpool to work or soccer practice and games.
7. If buying a new car, buy an electric or hybrid car. Go online to www.hybridcars.com to get the latest information.
8. Recycle your glass, paper and plastic.
9. When not using you computer, shut it down and unplug it.
10. Print on both sides of paper, or better yet, only print what is absolutely necessary.
11. Use reusable bottles for water instead of buying water. Try www.goodhousekeeping.com for the best bottles.
12. Only use natural cleaning products such as vinegar and baking powder. Check out www.housekeeping.about.com for more products.
13. Take all your better or work clothes to an environmentally-friendly dry cleaner. is the only environmentally-friendly cleaner in Holliston.
14. Use a Programmable thermostat in your home or at work. By turning down your thermostat just two degrees, you can save up to eight percent on your heating bill. Check out www.lowes.com for more products.
15. Turn down the heat on your hot water tank while you are away.
16. Change your light bulbs to the new compact flourescent lamps (CFL’s). Check out www.lowes.com for all their light bulb options.

I hope this list helps. One of the cool things that you can do is to make it a family game or project and get everyone involved. It will help you, your home, future generations and our planet.