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4. Fix It Yourself
Even if your dad wasn’t the most handy guy in the world, he probably recognized the value of trying to fix something himself before replacing it or paying a pro big bucks.
Take a page from Dad’s frugal book, and try fixing something before running to the mall for a new one – whether it’s that clunky old toaster or a broken iPhone screen. Not sure where to start? iFixIt is chock full of repair manuals that will make Dad proud, from fix-it guides for appliances and lawn mowers to step-by-step instructions for repairing your Macbook.
And keep an eye out for finicky fixtures that could cost you big bucks if left in disrepair. For example, that leaky bathroom faucet can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water every year, and a running toilet wastes about 200 gallons a day, according to the EPA. Minimize your monthly bills – and your environmental footprint – by fixing leaks quickly.
While fixing appliances and household fixtures yourself is surely admirable, any dad will tell you that it’s not smart to try to fix something if you don’t know what you’re doing. When it comes to tricky plumbing and electrical jobs, call in a licensed professional to make sure your “improvement” project doesn’t do more harm than good.
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5. Root For Your Team
Remember those lazy summer days of playing catch, talking baseball or just sitting down to watch big game with Dad? He did his best to impart that tried-and-true loyalty to the home team (and tried not to get upset when you rooted for the underdog three Super Bowls ago).
Professional sports carried a pretty heavy environmental footprint when Dad was a boy, but eco-concious venues, franchises and players are out to change all that. For a little inspiration, show your dad what some of his favorite MLB, NBA and NFL franchises and players are doing to save the planet.
And to green your own sports celebrations, use Earth911′s tips for eco-friendly baseball and football tailgates on your next trip to the stadium.
If Dad has a drawer full of old jerseys, shirts and sweatshirts that fell victim to ketchup stains and dryer shrinkage, don’t throw them away! As a creative Father’s Day present, get crafty with Pop’s old jerseys and turn them into new gear to help him rep the home team (think: creative beer cozies and one-of-a-kind wall-hangings for his “man cave”). Once you’re done with Dad’s jerseys, take a crack at your own worn-out stash!
Photos: Shutterstock
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