1 Recycle - whenever possible reuse items before throwing them away. If you do have to throw something away – consider if it's compostible, recyclable or requires special disposal.

2 Protect your water supply. Improper disposal of cleaners and solvents can do serious damage to our environment. Ensure you follow local guidelines for toxic materials and chemicals to avoid unnecessary pollution to community water. Very often drainage spills into steams that feed ponds and lakes inhabited by marine life. It's important not only to consider items you buy but also the disposal of those items you can't reuse.

3 Buy products that are made of or contain recyclable materials (or those materials that can be recycled).

4 Start a recycling program at home and at work. Collect glass, steel cans, plastic containers, newspapers, trade publications and bulk mailers.

5 Stop throwing away unwanted catalogues and junk mail. Call the companies who send you unwanted materials and ask to be removed from their mailing lists. Donate unwanted magazines to schools, libraries or distribute to friends or colleagues for their enjoyment.

6 Turn off the tap! Use water sparingly – do not leave water on when brushing teeth or doing other activities where a small amount of water is sufficient.

7 Install low volume, Eco-friendly toilets (municipal by-laws permitting). Eco-friendly toilets can save almost 2,000 gallons of water per year.

8 Whenever possible use Eco-friendly cleansing materials.