Save the planet this summer! 8 eco-friendly ideas

Plant a garden and take care of it all summer long! CLICK HERE for our best gardening tips for beginners.

Reduce your carbon footprint by making cute recycling bins.

Carpool with friends whenever possible. Even if you aren't old enough to drive, you can still reduce the impact of gasoline on our atmosphere. Going someplace close? There’s no reason to drive when you can walk, rollerblade or bike to your destination.

Make it a point to turn off the light whenever you leave a room. Conserve electricity whenever possible. Plugging your electronics into a surge protector you can flip off when hit the town is an easy to way save the Earth…and your gadgets during a lightning storm.

Build a birdfeeder for your fine-feathered friends.

Turn off the water! We know you've heard this many times before, but never let the water run while you're brushing your teeth. And those 45 minute-long showers? Let’s cut those suckers down, sweetie.

Buy a plain water bottle and paint it up. Reuse that all summer instead of grabbing bottled water after bottled water. Be sure to wash it out often to prevent icky bacteria growth.

Buy organic makeup and foods whenever possible. We love the idea of shopping locally at farmer’s markets and roadside stand. Freshly picked produce it totally tops!

BY GL ON 6/28/2011 7:00:00 AM

POSTED IN summer, eco-friendly, go green, do gooder