efficiency (other stuff)

other simple ways make your "footprint" smaller:

- don't use disposible razors & use re-chargeable batteries
  these are too obvious to explain!

- don't use plastic tampons
  why plastic is even an option! cardboard biodegrades much faster and while it may be less "smooth" but unless you're doing it wrong, even with cardboard you'll never get a papercut. an even better option than tampons / pads is a mooncup; buy it only once and you can use it for the rest of aunt flo's life!

- use smarter toilet paper smarter
  two smarters but at least four ways to save! unless you had an accident, you won't need a fistful of tp, so use as little as you need. you go several times a day, so that one or two extra squares really adds up. be sure to buy tp containing as much post-consumer product as possible; it's the 21st century, so green doesn't have to mean scratchy. and even awesomer, scott now offers a tube-free roll which doesn't have the cardboard tube in the middle. another option is to buy bleach-free tp. our tp is normally whitened using chlorine in not the most environmentally friendly processes. so be sure to get (starting with most environmentally friendly): unbleached, processed chlorine free (pcf) or totally chorline free (tcf). tp that is elemental chlorine free (ecf) or stuff using chlorine gas is no good! (source)

- get the largest size you can
  if you're going to finish it anyway, why get little bottles? getting shampoo (toothpaste, cereal, detergent...) in the larger size means you'll cut down on packaging. but also you'll save $ since it's generally cheaper to get the large size , and even if not, you save on not having to drive back to the store so frequently.
  and while the tsa only permits 3fl oz or less per item for your carry-on, that doesn't mean you can only buy that size. get it once and re-fill it with your regular product later. this is esp important because even when the bottles are recyclable, the sorting machines normally miss them cause they're too small. in other words, recyclable or not, most little containers end up in landfills!

- always decline extra packaging
  if you're picking up only a couple things, why get a bag? or if you've already got one bag, why get another? this also means you can avoid other shoppers' dirty looks when you blunder into them with all your stuff. also, a lots places wrap your purchase in tissue paper. but unless this is a gift, you don't need that extra paper. and some places will wrap your glassware in tissue paper. but if you also bought a shirt, have them wrap your stuff in that instaed.

- give eco-packaged gifts, not cards
  if you're giving a present, why not just include a name tag instead of a card? added bonus, you won't have to think up something witty or cute to write. also, while you can re-use old wrapping paper (which is, admittedly, a hassle), you can gift-wrap in other smarter ways by using unexpected materials: tissue paper (which is a lot easier to re-use), in-side-out paper shopping bags which you can customize with your own illustrative artwork, colorful plastic shopping bags, magazine papers, old fliers / posters, floral arrangement tissue cloths, old clothing cut up, the list goes on!
  or if you're tired of your current wrapping paper, instead of buying a new roll, trade with a friend. that way you'll both have "new" wrapping paper!

- return used giftcards
  most chain stores have their giftcard display right at the cash register anyway. so if you've finished yours, return it there.

- return dry cleaning "swag"
  do you really need those filmy plastic protectors or cheapo wire hangers anyway? if you don't have time to return them on the spot, return the next time you dry clean something.

my list is pretty specific so obviously there's a ton of stuff i'm missing but i'm sure you get the point. our daily lives have so much unnecessary stuff that in nearly every aspect of our lives could we do doing something to better ourselves and the environment.