Get stuff you need and give away stuff you don't want with the Freecycle Network. You'd be surprised at the kinds of things people are giving away. Find that CD you've been wanting or the perfect poster for your wall without spending money and without hurting the environment. Clear out space for that new game system by giving away your old one. If Freecycle.org doesn't appeal to you, the same thing could be done among your group of friends. It's like a big yard sale with only one price tag.

-Jess

It certainly wasn't biodegradable and when I was done with it, it wasn't reusable either, but there's nothing better than popping bubble wrap. Okay, so it wasn’t that environmentally friendly, but now there’s no reason to compromise. Whenever you just want to hear that satisfying pop, you can do it online. You don't get the package that the bubble wrap came in, but you do get hours, or minutes, of entertainment.

Other traditional distractions have gone online, creating eco-friendly playing options, including crossword puzzles, Lite-Brite, and sudoku. Sweet!

-Jess

• Instead of a full-body shower every day, clean only what’s dirty.  Save the big event for when you really need it…like after playing in the mud or something.
• Turn off all the lights during sex and skip the vibrators
• Use ranch dressing on your salads to lessen our dependency on foreign oil ;) jk
• Before leaving the house for a night out on the town, pre-game it.  This will not only result in an awesome buzz early in the evening, it will save you money and waste less cups. And less cups means less water needed to wash them.

-Liana

"We have the responsibility to be the change we want to see in the world." - Gandhi

1. Use Blackle – A white screen uses more energy than a black screen and Blackle is a Google-powered search engine with a black background.
2. Wrap Wisely – As mentioned earlier, instead of going out and buying wrapping paper, create your own. Or, to really save trees, get a reusable gift bag.
3. Bring Your Own Bottle – Having a water bottle with you lets you fill it up at home or at a water-fountain instead of buying water in yet another disposable bottle.
4. Cover Pots – Make food faster and save energy by keeping lids on pots while cooking.
5. Use Potato Plates – Disposable plates, cups, and flatware are now being made from biodegradable material such as potato and corn starch.
6. Go Vintage – There’s lots of great vintage clothing and antique furniture that is surprisingly modern. Don’t be a cookie cutter in terms of style, create your own!
7. Keep Houseplants – The more plants we have around us, the more our effect on the environment can be minimized. Peace lilies are especially effective pollution fighters.
8. Cancel Catalogs – With more stores offering virtual dressing rooms and inexpensive shipping from their online selection, who needs a catalog?
9. Go to the Library – The local library is a greener option than a bookstore. Read the latest books, movies, and music, while saving money, having less clutter, and saving trees.
10. Watch TV - The MTV SWITCH campaign will be running commercials with more energy saving tips.

-Jess

Going shopping this holiday season, I’m so going to use these new bags. Instead of getting lots of plastic bags along with purchases, Flip and Tumble sells reusable totes in green, blue, black, and tan. And these tote bags can be scrunched into the size of a tennis ball, making them perfect for throwing at friends.

For another stylish bag, check out this Anya Hindmarch eco-tote with embroidery saying “I am not a plastic bag.” This bag has become a must have accessory and has been spotted being used by stars like Keira Knightley and Reese Witherspoon.

-Jess

The MTV Switch campaign is asking actors and musicians to help spread the word by sharing some cool tips about making you and the planet cool. You know that all helps, but movie stars and band members aren’t the ones that will be making the big difference. On this blog, I’d like to focus on profiling the true stars of the MTV Switch campaign: you.

Tell me what you’re doing to stop climate change. Is your lifestyle eco-friendly, perhaps in an unusual way? Do you have ideas about what else could be done, no matter how strange or wacky? Do you have a cool product or project that is helping the environment? The mundane and the off-the-wall; we want to know about it all. Send an email explaining what you’re doing and your contribution could be included here.

-John