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Rachel Offerdahl

Rachel Offerdahl

Multimedia intern, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)

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In Part 5 of this series of tips to live green (Scroll down for previous installments!), we delve into paper v. plastic, and related consumer choices.

36. Buy recycled paper and paper products.

37. Print on both sides of sheets of paper and only print what is absolutely necessary.

38. Buy products with less packaging.

39. Pay bills electronically.

40. Borrow books from libraries and loan your books to friends and family. If you are a student, buy or rent used textbooks.

41. Use washcloths, hand towels, and dish towels to minimize paper towel use.

42. Choose alternatives to Styrofoam when available.

43. Snip all the holes in plastic six-pack rings.

44. Recycle newspapers, magazines, and phone books.

45. Opt-out of unsolicited or junk mail like credit card offers to reduce paper.

46. Use washable silverware and dishes instead of paper and plastic.

47. Buy and use reusable grocery bags. When you use plastic, reuse them. Plastic grocery bags are great for small trash cans.

 

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As Deputy Director of DOER's Green Communities Division, Lisa helps lead a team devoted to working with Massachusetts cities and towns to realize environmental and cost benefits of municipal energy efficiency and renewable energy. Prior to joining DOER, Lisa worked in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs from 2007 to 2012, first as Press Secretary and then as Assistant Secretary for Communications and Public Affairs. Her previous communications and public relations experience includes both government and the private sector, where, as principal of upWrite Communications, she served clients such as The Trustees of Reservations, The Nature Conservancy, and Partners Health Care/North Shore Medical Center. She began her career as a journalist, covering Beacon Hill for the State House News Service, and later wrote for a variety of other publications including The Boston Globe, Teacher Magazine, Animals Magazine, and The Gulf of Maine Times. The author of two books, Lisa serves on the board of the Saugus River Watershed Council and resides with her family in Melrose.

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