Make Life a Little Greener
Green Tips for the House
Change a Light Bulb
By switching to energy efficient compact fluorescent
light bulbs, you will use at least two-thirds less energy than regular
lighting. By using low-energy CFL/LED light bulbs you will use at least
three-fourths less energy than conventional, incandescent light bulbs.
Unplug it
A turned off device, appliance, etc… still draws
power. It is called a phantom load and it is estimated that around 75 percent
of all electricity used in homes is from devices and appliances that are turned
off, yet still plugged in. Unplug them individually or attach them to a power
strip and turn off the whole switch when not in use. Make sure that you only
have those appliances plugged in where you are
actually using the electricity and you will reduce your energy needs.
Buy Energy Star
When you are in the market to replace home appliances,
the key to buying smart is buying greener. Look for the Energy Star rating.
An energy star appliance is about 30 percent more energy efficient than
a non-energy star appliance. By choosing an Energy Star appliance you help
reduce your energy needs.
Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies
To save money, time, air quality and — in some
cases — respiratory health, making your own cleaning supplies only makes
good clean sense. By using simple ingredients such as baking soda, soap and
vinegar, you can make inexpensive, easy, and non-toxic cleaning products.
Grab a Cloth
The next time you reach for a paper towel or napkin,
think twice… think cloth. Cloth can be washed and reused again and again
and by choosing cloth, paper demands are reduced.
Save Water
By placing a brick or a water bottle filled with liquid or pennies into your toilet’s water tank, you will use less water every time you flush. It is estimated that you will save about a quart to half a gallon per flush.
Collect the Rain
Rain collecting is a very easy and inexpensive way to
save water. Place a barrel under a gutter downspout (or in an un-obtrusive spot
in your yard) and let it collect the rain as it falls. Use this water for watering
plants.
Bring Mother Nature Indoors
Did you know that house plants have been shown to reduce
feelings of anxiety, anger, and sadness? In addition to their beauty and grace,
they also can help clean, purify, and condition the air we breathe.
Buy Fresh, Buy Local, Buy Organic
By buying fresh and local, you help keep dollars in
your community. Local food does not have far to travel. By buying organic,
you help to avoid pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics that may be used in
large-scale, non-organic commercial produce and meats.
B.Y.O.B. — Bring Your Own Bag
It is estimated that in the U.S. we use five
hundred billion plastic bags every year and only three percent
of those get recycled. By bring your own bag you will save landfill space
and in some cases some money. Some stores will give a credit for shoppers
that bring their own bag. So carry your own canvas, linen, paper, or jute
bags and keep them in your car at all times.
Compost Your Leftovers
Start a composting pile, not only will it reduce the
amount of waste sent to landfills, but it will also provide you with free and
healthy fertilizer.
Buy Recycled
When using recycled paper products, paper demand
is reduced. Read newspapers and magazines that are printed on recycled paper
and use recycled toilet paper.
Have an Energy Audit
Many utility providers will perform a household energy
audit at no cost or low cost. The audit will reveal areas of energy use
and waste; and will help point out ways to be more energy efficient.
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Green Tips for the Office
Turn Your Computer Off
A computer on standby mode consumes about the same
amount of energy as a computer in use. So when you are done using it for
the day, turn it off.
Buy a Laptop
Laptops are more efficient than a desktop computer.
Reduce Paper
Hundreds of pounds of waste are generated from office paper goods. By making a few changes we can reduce the waste.
- Send documents by e-mail.
- Keep files on your computer, not in a filing cabinet.
- Buy recycled paper.
- Program your printer to use both sides of the paper.
Refill and Reuse Cups
Many offices use plastic or cardboard cups at the water
fountain and coffee machine; these cups are then tossed out, adding more garbage
to the landfill. By bring your own cup, you help reduce waste and save the
office money.
Recycle Your Appliances
Recycling does not need to stop with paper goods, apply
this to your appliances to help reduce
waste. You can recycle printer cartridges, printer inks, cell phones, PDAs
and laptops.
Change Your Water Habits
Replace bottled water with filtered water.
Bottled water can be expensive and most are not recycled,
thus taking filling up landfills.
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Green Tips for the Car
Work from Home
Working from home, even if only once per week, will
help reduce your carbon foot print. You save time, money, and gas, as well
as help reduce daily emissions. To work from home, utilize instant
messaging, video conferencing, a networked home computer, and tele-commuting.
Use Public Transportation
Utilizing trains, buses, boats, car pooling, or
walking can help to reduce your carbon foot print.
Drive Smart, Drive Economically
For your car to be its most efficient, make sure that
your tires are properly inflated, that you have a clean air filter, and drive
55 mph on the highway. Drive less and avoid making multiple trips to run
errands. Plan your errands ahead of time, and plan your day logically and
efficiently so that you make less stops while driving, as it is estimated
that a running car sitting idle burns fuel and increases
emissions.
Avoid the Drive Thru
By avoiding the drive thru, you help reduce emissions and reduce your carbon footprint.
Chose a Friendly Fuel
Bio fuel is a hot topic in today’s news. By using a bio fuel, you help reduce emissions and dependency on foreign oil.
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Photo credit — Biofuel: ©iStockphoto.com/vasata
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