Practicing and encouraging habits that support sustainability help us as individuals, as well as our communities. By taking the PLANET GRANITE PLEDGE, we can focus on practical ways to conserve and protect our environment, and keep it strong and vital. By reducing energy use, carbon emissions, and looking for efficiencies, you’ll save money, too!  So, TAKE 5! to see how easy it is to begin incorporating sustainability practices into your life!

	Put your computers, TVs, and stereos on a power strip and shut them off at night. Many of our home electronics and appliances continue to draw electricity even when they are "off." Using powerstrips to stop this “phantom” energy load will reduce your electric bill as well as the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.
	Reduce your weekly driving by 20%. By combining shopping trips, telecommuting, carpooling, riding a bus or bike when possible, you can consolidate and reduce your need to drive each week. This reduction in vehicular miles traveled will decrease how much you pay at the pump as well as the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.
	Eat a vegetarian dinner twice a week. Raising livestock for food requires a lot of resources, including fossil fuels, and produces greenhouse gases. Reducing our consumption of meat saves energy and water.
	Shop at locally owned businesses and become a tourist in New Hampshire. By shopping locally, patronizing your local farmers’ markets and enjoying recreational activities in our home state, you keep your dollars “at home,” strengthening our state and regional economy, and helping maintain employment here.
	Dig in where you live and get involved with your community. Join a civic organization and help make your neighborhood or town a better place to live. Organize a block party, volunteer with a group – become a part of your community.