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 off lights & electronics when not in use. Purchase energy efficient 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