Keep your impact positive every day!

Get regular auto tune ups.

Don’t leave motors idling.

Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.

Use biofuels and diesel filters.

Ride a bike or walk.

Plant trees to help purify air.

Consolidate errands to minimize auto emissions.

Use a programmable thermostat.

Make sure windows are double pane.

Turn o� lights & electronics when not in use.

Purchase energy e�cient lights and appliances.

Recycle whenever possible.

Buy recycled products.

Be conscious of packaging waste.

Drink from a reusable bottle.

Landscape with native plant species.

Consider permeable pavers in place of concrete or asphalt.

Make use of native plants to reduce the need for watering.

Challenge yourself to conserve your home's water usage.

Keep chemicals and hazardous waste out of storm drains, which flow directly into

local streams.

Water gardens and landscaped areas with water from rain barrels.

Use safe, earth-friendly cleaning products.

Implement no-mow areas to create animal habitats and

reduce emissions.

Dispose of trash, including live fish bait, properly.

Snip six pack rings before recycling.

Use bubbles instead of balloons for celebrations.

Paper Towel 2-4 weeks

Banana Peel 3-4 weeks

Paper Bag 1 month

Newspaper 1.5 months

Apple Core 2 months

Cardboard 2 months

Cotton 3 months

Rubber Sole 50-80 years

Aluminum Can 200-500 years

Plastic Bottle 450 years

Diapers 550 years

Fishing Line 600 years

Plastic Bags 200-1,000 years

Styrofoam 1,000+ years

Orange Peel 6 months

Plywood 1-3 years

Wool 1-5 years

Milk Carton 5 years

Cigarette 10-12 years

Leather 25-40 years

Tin Can 50 years An environmental initiative of the St. Charles Park District