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Apparently October is Energy Awareness Month. Waste Management sent the media some quick and easy energy-saving ideas for the occasion.

Don't forget your recyclables next time you head to Mass. It's one way of being a good steward.

Among them — with my own messages for Catholics following:

• Recycle. An obvious choice, but one that takes some effort. If you don’t already, try to take your recycling (paper and sometimes cardboard, plastic and soda cans) with you to church each weekend or once a month. Many parishes or parish schools earn income from these efforts and it saves you from filling up your curbside bin so quickly.
• A can a day will power your TV — Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to power a TV for three hours. Check to see if your nearest parish or school recycles them and don’t forget to save those soda cans when you’re done with lunch or dinner.
• Get connected — Waste Management reminds consumers to use power surges and turn them off when those devices aren’t in use. Some appliances like TVs and microwaves still use energy when they’re plugged in, but off.

Not on the list, but something that could indirectly save energy is recycling clothing and toys. I’ve noticed in recent months that some parishes have secure clothing bins in the parking lot. Donations go to My Sister’s Place, a Catholic Charities outreach for domestic violence victims. Donating your unwanted clothes could save energy costs in making new ones.

Other tips from Waste Management seemed to serve as reminders rather than fresh ideas, but reminders can’t hurt. And speaking of reminders, review some ways local religious and parishioners have adopted greener habits over the years. Here are some related archived articles:

• Local religious take on greener habits
• Confronting climate change not the only reason some Catholics work to bring stewardship message Down to Earth
• Students commit to renewing earth