• Consumption
  • Reduce consumption
    - The most effective way to shrink our Ecological Footprint
    - Can be done while keeping stable or increasing our quality of life
    - Leaves more natural resources available for future generations
    
    Resources: Join a Voluntary Simplicity discussion course or see our selection of simplicity resources

• Food
  • Eat local produce
    - Supports local farms and economy
    - Reduces transportation needs
    
    
  • Eat organic
    - Reduces manufacturing, use, and dispersion of toxins
    
    
  • Eat low on the food chain
    - Maximizes the use of resources and land
    
    Resources: Join a local CSA farm, buy from local food co-ops or  general local food producers/sources, and see all food resources
    
    
    
• Transportation
  • Use bike and feet whenever possible
    - Reduces fuel use
    - Gives fresh air and exercise
    
    
  • Use public transportation when possible
    
    
  • Carpool with friends and co-workers
    
    
  • Find ways to live and work in the same area
    
    
  • Take local/regional vacations
    
    Resources: Use our Madison bus system
    
    
    
• Garbage
  • Reduce packaging
    - Join a CSA farm (direct delivery with minimal packaging)
    - Buy in bulk through a food cooperative
    - Buy the brands with the least packaging
    
    
  • Compost food scraps - either in an outdoor compost bin or an indoor worm bin.
    - Creates excellent fertilizer for your plants
    - Can be a fun family project
    
    Resources: See above under the Food section, and  also our composting resources
    
    
    
• Water
  • Get a low-flow showerhead and aireators for your faucets
    - Reduces the flow while retaining the pressure
    
    
  • Water your lawn in the evening
    - Reduces evaporation
    
    
  • Landscape with native plants
    - Provides a valuable ecosystem for many animals and insects (including butterflies)
    - Looks beautiful
    - Reduces maintenance (less watering, no moving if replaces a lawn).
    
    Resources: Home Environment has low-flow showerheads and aireators
    
    
    
• Energy
  • Reduce use of air conditioner in the summer
    - Open doors and windows
    - Install window shades (or plant a deciduous tree for shade)
    
    
  • Reduce the indoor temperature in the winter
    - Wear a sweater
    
    
  • Seal up your house
    - Winterize the building in time for the cold weather
    
    
  • Wind Energy
    - Subscribe to MGE's wind energy plan
    
    
  • MGE Workshops
    - MGE offers free workshops on energy conservation at the public libraries.
    - You can also request a speaker from MGE to address your group, church, or business.
    
    Resources: Subscribe to MGE's wind energy, see MGE's energy saving information, and take a look at  their public events.
    
    
    
• Yard & Landscaping
  • Organic
    - Chemical-free yard maintenance is good for animals, children, the soil, and all of us.
    - You can have a great looking yard and lawn without using any chemicals.
    
    
  • Native
    - Use native plants and create an attractive habitat for butterflies, birds, children and adults.
    
    
    Resources: Tips for Earth-Friendly Lawncare, EPA's Native Landscaping information, as well as our native landscaping resources.

Choices for Sustainable Living Discussion Groups
Join or start up a Choices for Sustainable Living discussion group, and explore topics such as sustainable communities, food, business, living, and more. Email us, call (608) 819.0689, or read more about it.