Some families have found the following idea useful. It’s a simple trick that you use when you go grocery shopping or at the beginning or every work day.

Make a list.

That’s it, just make a list of all the ways you’d like to change your life and home to be more environmentally friendly.

You know when you sit down at your desk or computer every morning it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If you start randomly doing tasks you’ll manage to put out a lot of fires and resolve immediate issues. But sometimes the priorities are left behind. To avoid that, you make a list of things you must do to keep your business running smoothly and productively.

Plus, we all know how good it feels at the end of the day to see a list with all the items crossed out. Whether it’s done by computer or on an old-fashioned spiral notebook, it’s uplifting to see your “to do list” is all done.

So why not take the same strategy with your goal to be more eco friendly? Here’s a few of the ideas you could jot down on your list.

Replace light bulbs with more energy efficient types
Check prices on more energy efficient A/C and heating units

Set dates to purchase newer units

Make a plan to save money to finance purchases

Replace thermostats with programmable thermostats.
Take unusable clothes to Goodwill or Salvation Army.
Replace outdoor lighting with solar powered lights.
Hold a garage sale and clear out some clutter.
Find some good Yoga or Pilates DVD’s and start working out regularly.
Find a source that sells many environmentally friendly products in one place.
Buy a water purifier so you can stop buying plastic water bottles.
Start giving to a charity that supports earth friendly causes.

These are a few examples of steps your family could take to be more environmentally friendly. By listing them out you can prioritize which steps to take first. Make sure your children feel they are part of the plan. Explain to them why it’s important to take care of the Earth and it’s resources.

As you scratch each item off your list, you and your family will be one step closer to eco friendly living.