Environmental Top 10 (a.k.a. how to be environmentally friendly at [insert lab name]) [insert date]

Of course, I want to save the world, she said, but I was hoping to do it from the comfort of my regular life. --Brian Andreas

Number 10: Be bright about electricity. Unplug chargers. Turn off your computer AND the power strip. Set your computer to go to sleep automatically. Turn off lights. Buy Energy Star-rated light bulbs and fixtures. Install timers or motion sensors for lights.

Number 9: Go paperless. Think before you print: could this be read or stored online instead? When you receive unwanted newsletters or mail, request to be removed from the list. Use the back side of old documents for faxes, scrap paper, or drafts. Do things electronically (pay bills, sent invites).

Number 8: Print smarter. Print on both sides of the paper. Avoid color printing and print in draft mode whenever feasible. Install a GOOS printer.

Number 7: Recycle. Old cell phones, PDAs, or pagers Batteries Toner and ink cartridges Donate old computers that still work and are less than five years old to organizations that will refurbish them and find them new homes. Older than five years, look up an electronics recycling center near you.

Number 6: Watch how (and what) you eat. Drink tap or filtered water (not bottled). Use the dishes, silverware, and mugs in the kitchen. Buy organic and local food. *Do all of the above for meetings as well as daily.

Number 5: Reduce. Avoid single serving packages. Buy non-perishable goods in large containers. Turn tap off when washing dishes, brushing teeth, etc. Use freecycling Use cloth shopping bags, napkins, dishtowels, etc. Shop at thrift stores and tag sales.

Number 4: Shop Smart. Non-toxic and natural contents Made from recycled materials Minimum packaging Produced locally Energy- or water-efficient

Number 3: Rethink your travel. When traveling, take public transit instead of a rental car or taxi. Carpool, bike, or take transit to work. Telecommute when possible. Look for green hotels (

Number 2: Create a healthy indoor environment. Brighten up your office and home with plants. Buy (or make) nontoxic cleaning products. Buy furniture, carpeting, and paint that is free of volatile organic compounds.

Number 1: Spread the Word Tell vendors that youre committed to buying in an environmentally responsible way. Gently remind others who forget to be green.

We are not all capable of great things, but we are all capable of doing small things with great love. - Mother Teresa