Limit your consumable waste. Use reusable plates instead of paper. Don't use plastic forks and spoons or disposable drinking cups. Consider protecting the environment by making other green -- environmentally protective -- decisions such as using reusable grocery bags and modern cloth diapers. Use filters on your tap water to avoid the waste from plastic water bottles.
Recycle the consumables you must use. Turn your aluminum cans, tin cans and scrap metals from around your house into recycling centers that provide cash returns. Separate your papers, plastics and cardboard waste into bins and turn it over to local recycling plants, or place it curbside for pickups. Oils and mechanical wastes can also be turned in to many recyclers, cleaned and reused as a fuel source in many locations.
Lower the quantity of fuels and resources your family uses. Switch light bulbs to the more efficient ones. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower. Carpool or reduce the number of trips you and your family take. Reduce the amount of time you spend in the shower. Also, use high-efficiency appliances like front-loading washers and dryers, and unplug appliances when not being used.
Use environmentally safe products such as window cleaners, dish liquids, cleansers and detergents. These new products have been formulated from ingredients that have been deemed safer for the environment. Often they are made from all-natural products that don't affect allergy sufferers, as well.