So much of our ecological footprint or impact involves what and how we consume.

Consuming

Buying local goods is one of the greatest ways to benefit your community, not only does it encourage local economy growth; it provides jobs and reduces shipping and fuel costs.  http://www.thinkboisefirst.org/main and http://www.buylocal.net/organizations/usa/idaho/think-boise-first.html , are only a few of the organizations which can help you find local products.  

When you break your cell phone, think about having repaired or you can donate it to victims of domestic violence at http://www.911cellphonebank.org/drop-off-locations.asp?State=ID . Have used eyeglasses, the Lions Club have been matching eyewear to the needy for over six decades http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/index.php 

Do you have a wedding, homecoming, or prom dress cluttering your closet? Call Monica Stamper directly at 870-2840 for Dresstravaganza to donate to a woman who can’t afford one. The same goes for throwing out or buying clothing, have you ever looked into the treasure Valley’s many used and consignment shops? Just by typing in “clothing used and consignment” a long list of shops appeared http://search.aol.com/aol/search?query=clothing+consignment+shops+in+Boise&s_it=keyword_rollover , remember one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.            

Sometimes taking steps to prevent the need for recycling is the best way to help the environment. To eliminate the need to recycle your junk mail try this website http://www.ehow.com/how_2034569_stop_junk-mail.html?ref+Track2&utm_source=ask .   

Most companies offer paperless billing, call your bank, credit card companies and utilities to find out if they offer this service. Some companies email statements and offer online bill pay, not only does this save on paper, but the energy it takes to transport and deliver mail.