Bring Your Own
All those morning joes in to go cups can add up. Those one-use cups are so 2010. A reusable mug looks better, works better, and saves money. Replace your one-time use cup habit with a stylish and sustainable reusable bottle or mug. You will save money and our planet's precious natural resources.
Learn more and get a free mug!
Buy It Used
From furniture to cars to bikes, almost everything can be bought in good shape second-hand. What could be more New York than a good deal?
Check out the NYC Stuff Exchange
re-fashioNYC
Recycle
You know the three R's (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle). But do you know how powerful they can be? The average New Yorker throws out nearly 4.5 pounds of waste each year. If we can remember our Rs, we can lower that number and stop overcrowding our landfills.
e-cycle
Learn more
Use Reusable Bags
I love re-usable bags: they look great, don't rip and you can carry lots of stuff. I keep a box of them near my front door so I don't forget to bring one to the store. It's surprisingly convenient!
Get the facts
Use Online Banking
Enroll in a paperless banking program. It's safe, convenient, and can help the US keep 1 billion pounds of paper out of the waste stream.
Learn more
How to Pay Rent
Buy Things That Last
Sure, the cheaper toaster will save you money now. But what about when it breaks in a year? Spending a bit more to buy something better can save you (and the planet) in the long-run.
Where to Donate
Where to Repair
Don't Throwaway
Buy Local
The closer your food, the fresher, tastier, and more nutritious it is. Organic produce from your local farmer's market can cost 40% less than supermarket produce. It's also traveled around 1,500 fewer miles to reach your neighborhood.
Learn more
Eat Organic
Why eat chemicals when you can eat real food? Organic food contains far fewer chemicals than conventional food. It's better for your health, and it reduces water pollution and dependence on oil.
Get a Library Card
Save money (and trees!) by borrowing books from the library. They have the latest best sellers, all the classics, even movies, music, and magazines. Visit a New York Public Library- they're some of the best in the nation.
Buy Items with Less Packaging
Go for the items with minimal or recycled packaging. They may look less fancy, but it's what inside that counts. And, you'll help reduce the 570 billion pounds of waste generated in the US each year.
Buy Less
New York apartments (and nests) are pretty tiny and can get crowded quick. Try to think before you buy and you can reduce the clutter in your life and our landfills.
Here's How.
Use Products Without Plastic Microbeads
There are 800 trillion toxic, plastic microbeads entering water sources every day in the U.S. Make sure to steer clear of products that contain harmful microplastics and look for healthier alternatives.