Use this page to find actions that your household has completed or plans to complete. Browse the categories on the left to find actions for the Power Saver, Green Leader, or Renewable Star Challenge.

Once you have signed in, you can click Add to My Challenge to add an action to your To Do List, Already Completed to mark an action as complete, or Not Applicable if the action does not apply to you.

Once signed in, you can rate each of the actions you have completed.
The highest rated action appear under the Most Popular Actions category.

ACTIONS

  • 1
    Green leaves denote the number of Green Points earned by completing the action and its relative environmental benefit.
    Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action.
    Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action.
    Free < $100
    $100-$500 $501-$2000
    > $2000
    A key denotes a renter-friendly action.
    Shop with reusable bags
    You need to be signed in to add and complete actions.
    Add to my challenge Already completed Not applicable

    Each year, the United States consumes about 100 billion plastic bags made from approximately 12,000,000 barrels of oil. Most of these bags end up in landfills or in the environment, causing pollution and endangering wildlife. Reusable bags can cut back on this waste. To help yourself remember to take them to the store, try leaving a few in your car or by your front door. If you have plastic bags to get rid of, stuff them in one or more bags and tie them up. Then drop them in your recycling bin or the plastic bag recycling bins provided by many local grocery stores. For more information, check out the trailer for “Bag It,” a movie about the harmful effects of plastic on the environment.

    Apr 23 Stephanie Van

    I have a small reusable bag in my purse at all times and when grocery shopping I have 3 reusable bags

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  • 1
    Green leaves denote the number of Green Points earned by completing the action and its relative environmental benefit.
    Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action.
    Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action.
    Free < $100
    $100-$500 $501-$2000
    > $2000
    A key denotes a renter-friendly action.
    Use reusable dishes, utensils, and/or napkins
    You need to be signed in to add and complete actions.
    Add to my challenge Already completed Not applicable

    Avoid using disposable dishes, utensils, and napkins. Instead, use reusable dishes at home, wash and reuse cloth napkins, pick up a set of washable items to keep at work, and purchase reusable containers to store food in the refrigerator. Going to a potluck or picnic? Take a set of your own dishes, utensils, and reusable containers rather than using disposable products. You can even consider investing in some reusable glass containers for leftovers, which are safer for microwaving and dishwashing repeatedly. Set a good example for kids by packing them “Waste Free Lunches.”

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  • 1
    Green leaves denote the number of Green Points earned by completing the action and its relative environmental benefit.
    Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action.
    Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action.
    Free < $100
    $100-$500 $501-$2000
    > $2000
    A key denotes a renter-friendly action.
    Reduce packaging waste by buying goods in bulk
    You need to be signed in to add and complete actions.
    Add to my challenge Already completed Not applicable

    Pre-packaged items generate a lot of waste and are often more expensive than buying in bulk. Avoid items like plastic-wrapped bananas, individually wrapped prunes, and beverages in Styrofoam containers. Take the same approach when purchasing food for packed lunches. Instead of buying a pack of mini chip bags, buy a single large bag and put a portion into a small reusable container for each lunch. Buying in bulk and buying products that use recyclable, recycled, and biodegradable packaging can reduce the amount of material going into landfills. Learn more about how to buy with less packaging.

    Make sure to only buy items in bulk that you will actually use before they go bad. Overbuying can lead to increased food waste.

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  • 1
    Green leaves denote the number of Green Points earned by completing the action and its relative environmental benefit.
    Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action.
    Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action.
    Free < $100
    $100-$500 $501-$2000
    > $2000
    A key denotes a renter-friendly action.
    Dispose of cooking grease properly
    You need to be signed in to add and complete actions.
    Add to my challenge Already completed Not applicable

    Instead of pouring your grease down the drain, collect it in a glass or metal container. Use caution as grease can be very hot. This method of cleaning your pots and pans prevents grease from clogging your pipes and lessens the load on the wastewater system. When the container is full, throw it away or scoop out the solid grease and recycle the container. You can even use leftover animal fat for seasoning cast iron pots or for cooking, as a replacement for butter.

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  • 1
    Green leaves denote the number of Green Points earned by completing the action and its relative environmental benefit.
    Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action.
    Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action.
    Free < $100
    $100-$500 $501-$2000
    > $2000
    A key denotes a renter-friendly action.
    Use wrapping paper alternatives
    You need to be signed in to add and complete actions.
    Add to my challenge Already completed Not applicable

    Alternatives to wrapping paper include the Sunday comics, reused tin boxes, a reusable canvas bag, or a handkerchief. The Japanese furoshiki is a popular wrapping cloth that is frequently used in Eastern Asia to decorate presents. Reusable baking dishes and flower pots are also eco-forward alternatives to traditional gift-wrapping. Check out some more creative ideas for wrapping paper alternatives.

    May 01 Susan Kraus

    I use the Sunday color 'funnies' to wrap up my gifts! I also recycle holiday cards by making them into gift card tags.

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