More ways to GoGreen!

On April 22, hundreds of millions of people in countries and communities across the globe observed Earth Day 2009 – including thousands of Kellogg employees and retirees throughout the Kellogg world.

In the spirit of this annual celebration here is some more advice about small changes we all can make that can have a big impact on the Earth – and the quality of life for future generations.

Living green is in the bag Another small but significant way you can reduce waste is to use reusable shopping bags. To celebrate Earth Day, The Kellogg's Store has partnered with the EarthWise Reusable Bags Co. to offer reusable shopping bags that are recyclable, durable and washable - and feature Kellogg spokescharacters such Tony the Tiger, Dig 'Em and Toucan Sam.

Kellogg Shopping Bags Are A Great Way to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle! Click to view

It's no secret that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is among the most critical actions our global population must take to protect the environment. But did you know that individuals like us can make significant contributions to these efforts simply through the ways in which we live on a daily basis?

We release greenhouse gases as a result of using energy to drive, using electricity to light and heat our homes, and through other activities that support our quality of life like growing food, raising livestock and throwing away garbage. Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced through simple measures like changing light bulbs and properly inflating our tires. Here are some other positive changes ways you can impact your energy use at home.

Use less energy to get from here to there - Consider public transportation, carpooling or biking to save energy. If you drive, find out the fuel efficiency of your vehicle and make more environmentally informed choices when purchasing your next vehicle. Check your tire pressure regularly.

Reduce, reuse, recycle – Keep recycling  paper, newspapers, beverage containers, electronic equipment and batteries. Doing so at work helps conserve energy and reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from resource extraction, manufacturing and disposal.

Manage your computer's energy use – Activate the power management features on your computer and monitor. Unplug laptop power cords when not in use.

Change five light bulbs to energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) – If every household in the U.S. took this one simple action we would prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions from nearly 10 million automobiles.

Buy Energy Star qualified products – A joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Star was introduced in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the Energy Star label can be found on more than 50 different kinds of products as well as commercial buildings and new homes.

Heat and cool smartly – Regularly replace air filters and properly maintain heating and cooling equipment. Sealing and insulating your home can also have a major impact on energy conservation, as well as on your monthly utility bills.

Be green in your yard – Use a push mower or a mulching mower to reduce grass clippings. Composting your food and yard waste reduces the amount of garbage that you send to landfills as well as reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Use water efficiently – Only water your lawn or landscape when needed and do it during the coolest part of the day, which is typically the early morning. Turn the water off while shaving or brushing teeth. Do not use your toilet as a waste basket, since water is wasted with each flush. Repair all toilet and faucet leaks right away. (A leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons of water per day.)

Spread the word – Tell family and friends that energy efficiency is good for their homes and good for the environment because it lowers greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

Visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website for more information about what you can do to help the environment.