Hi Luke,
I'm new to Greener People as well, but not new to the idea of reducing my impact. ' -) I teach environmental science online, so we cover many ways to reduce our impact over a 9-week course. I recommend you take the footprint quiz, as that will help identify your personal contributors (everyone is a bit different). There are many versions of the footprint quiz online, but for starters you can try:
Ecological Footprint Quiz by Redefining Progress
You say you already recycle, which is great! Do you freecycle, too? Or, find ways to recycle those hard-to-recycle products? See earth911.org.
Also, take a look at your individual usage of:
1. Water - do you have high efficiency appliances (clothes washer, dish washer, low-flow showerhead, low-flow toilets). Change your habits here, too. Do you need to shower more than once/day? Limit your shower time to 5 minutes or less (set a timer initially to get used to the "change").
2. Fuel usage in your home - programmable thermostat is a must. Set to 78F in summer time (if you have A/C) and 65F in winter. If you're no where near these setpoints, make a 1 degree change every couple days. It will allow your body the time to grow accustomed to the different temp. Properly and adequately insulate your home.
3. Fuel usage in your vehicle - Carpool. Combine trips - never go out for that one thing. Plan your grocery and supply needs so you can pick things up on the way home from work, instead of making a trip on the weekend. Start to use mass transit (or ride a bicycle or walk) one or more days a month. May not seem like much, but every day you can leave the car at home is a savings.
4. Food. What do you eat, where is it produced? Buying local helps. Reducing your consumption of animal products also helps.
5. Disposable items (napkins, paper towel, paper plates, etc.): minimize use of these items as much as possible....convert to the cloth rags and napkins; wash your plates instead of throwing the paper plates away, etc.
Hope this was helpful to you!
Cheers,
