What You Can Do

• Begin by simply asking the manager if the company has a recycling program and if or when he says "No" ask, "Why not?"
• Ask for the local address and phone of the central management team and send or phone in your concerns (e.g., AS A LOYAL CUSTOMER, you are disappointed in this and what will they do about this?).
• Ask your child's school if they would send a flier home alerting other parents to points 1 and 2.
• Ask the folks you know who eat there to consider doing the same.
• Write a "Thank you" note if recycling is started at any of the franchises you frequent. Ask your child to draw them a picture of a tree or animal saying "thanks".

• Monitor your electricity use by regularly checking your electrical meter and your electrical bills. As you do so, keep track to see whether you can use less electricity this month than you did last month, and even less the following. (Kids love doing this activity.)
• Plug household appliances into a surge protector. Electrical appliances that are plugged into the wall can consume electricity even when they’re not turned on. By using the surge protector, when you go out, you can just turn it off and quickly ensure that your appliances are not needlessly consuming energy.
• Have your child make stickers, signs, or magnets and put them around the house to remind your family members to turn off lights and appliances when not in use, and to turn down the thermostat at night and when no one is home. You can download a sheet of magnet templates here. All you need to do is print the file and have kids color in the drawings, cut around the edges, and glue the pieces onto magnet sheets cut to size. Magnet sheets can be found at most office and craft stores. If they want to make stickers instead, they can glue the drawings onto mailing labels, post-it notes, or any other adhesive paper.
• If you have a microwave, use it instead of the conventional oven. Microwaves consume about half as much energy.
• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) wherever possible. CFLs last up to ten times longer than standard light bulbs, and they use much less energy. They are often sold where regular light bulbs are sold. You can also visit www.energystar.gov for a store locator for CFLs and other energy-saving appliances.
• Check the windows and doors of your home for leaks. Seal any leaks with caulk or weatherstripping to make your heating and air conditioning systems more efficient.

Doing Your Part