Earthlab Pledges, Phase 1

So as part of Earthlab, I need to make 10 pledges a month on ways to become more green (well, not need to but it's requested, and kind of fun too).

So here's my first round of pledges, all promises of things to change this month, some things I already do since the live earth concert. Maybe you might find some good ideas here if you want.


#1: "I will adjust my thermostat according to ambient temperatures" - Something I already do and will keep doing, basically, keep the thermostat at bareable temperatures, not freezing and turn up when away for long periods of time (or the exact opposite in the winter).
#2: "I will always recycle" - No more lazy "I don't feel like rinsing it", I'm going to recycle whatever I can
#3: "I will call to stop unnecessary paper mail" - There's an 800 number you can call to request help in reducing your junk mail, I'm going to call them.
#4: "I will iron less by hanging my clothes in the condensation filled bathroom while I shower" - This is a neat tip and I hate ironing so I'm going to try it out!
#5: "I will load the dishwasher with consideration to additional resources I could avoid using" - This basically means no pre-rinsing and wasting water, let the dishes dry naturally, use light water settings if possible for the load.
#6: "I will purchase and begin brewing with reusable filters with my next trip to the store" - Already do this, will keep doing it, coffee tastes better anyway.
#7: "I will recycle my newspaper, and encourage others to do so" - Okay, I don't personally get the newspaper but someone on my floor keeps leaving theirs by the garbage shute so I'm going to start picking them up and taking them to our blue box.
#8: "I will switch to a biodegradable dishwasher detergent" - Need to find this product but I'll use it when I find it.
#9: "I will take shorter showers and install water-conserving fixtures" - Already done, all heads are water savers and my showers are down to 4.5 minutes flat including brushing my teeth (well, 4 minutes since I cut my hair).
#10: "I will unplug my cell phone charger when not in use" - Gotta remember to do this, but a great tip.
#11: "I will use "green" cosmetics and facial products" - Oddly enough, already do this, and didn't realize until today when I looked!
#12: "I will use biodegradable and otherwise "green" cleaning products" - next time I run out, I will do this. And I've already switched to Tide and Downy cold water products to help there too.
#13: "I will use natural hair products" - I'm already good at this, except my mousse, I need to find natural mousse for curly hair. Anyone know any brands?
#14: "I will use the "Kill Switch" on the power strip" - Started doing this, it's so easy!
#15: "I will use the least amount of energy when drying my dishes" - Time to stop being lazy Tia, pull out the teatowels and do some work or let them air dry, no more heat settings.
#16: "I will use the lowest settings reasonable for my refrigerator/freezer" - I do this already (just cool enough to keep food fresh/frozen and beer slightly below room temperature) and was happy to find out that all my appliances are energy efficient Whirpool appliances since I really don't have the option of replacing any appliances (I don't own them).

So that's my pledges for this month (somehow I snuck an extra 6 in there but no worries). I need to report back to the website when I have made each change and my pollution score will drop depending on what I've done. Next month I get to choose 10 more things to change, although, there is nothing stopping me from starting them right now too.

Hopefully you all found some useful tips in this and I'll let you know next months which new pledges I choose.