| Lower Your Utility Bills |
| 1. Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can be a huge
energy saver. Replace some (or all) of your incandescent
bulbs with fluorescents and enjoy reductions in
heat production, energy use, and electric bills!
Savings: Changing five of the most frequently used
light bulbs in your home can save you $100 per year
on electric bills! |
5. Choose ENERGY STAR® Appliances
ENERGY STAR® qualified products meet a high level
of energy efficiency, which can translate into savings
on electric bills. When considering the price of a new
appliance, take into account not only the purchase
price, but also the long-term savings associated with
an energy-efficient appliance.
Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $50 per appliance
per year or more! |
| 2. Program Your Thermostat
When you are at home, keep the thermostat at 78°F or
higher in the summer and 62°F or lower in the winter.
Programmable thermostats allow you to program the
systems to reduce output when they are not needed
(e.g., when no one is home during the day, or in the
evening when everyone is sleeping).
Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $100 per year or
more! |
6. Reduce Water Use
Indoor: Use less water by adding aerators (available
for a few dollars at your local home supply
store) to your sink faucets and changing to lowflow showerheads.
Outdoor: Incorporate native plants in your landscape
plan and minimize high-maintenance
landscaping such as turf grass to conserve water,
while still maintaining a beautiful lawn.
Savings:
Reduce your water bill by as much as $100 per
year! |
| 3. Plug Air Leaks
This simple step can go a long way toward keeping
your home at the temperature you desire, saving
money on heating and air conditioning bills and more.
Common leaks occur around windows, doors, and
other wall penetrations. Plugging those leaks with
weather stripping and caulk can be a simple task for
anyone!
Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $100 per year or
more! |
7. Switch to Green Power
Green Power is an optional utility service for customers
who want to help expand the production and
distribution of renewable energy technologies. With
green power, you do not have to change your electricity
provider. Instead, customers choose to pay a
premium on their electricity bill to cover the extra cost
of purchasing clean, sustainable energy. More info on
green power can be found at: http://www.eere.energy.gov. |
| 4. Tune Up Your Heating and Cooling (HVAC) System
Have a checkup for your HVAC system every 2 years
to make sure it is running efficiently. Be sure to clean
the filter monthly during times of peak usage; a dirty
filter can significantly reduce the efficiency of your
HVAC.
Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $100 per year or
more! |
|
| Choose Green Products |
8. Buy Local
Buying local produce reduces the amount of fossil
fuels required for the transportation of products from
other parts of the country or the world. It also reduces
the amount of plastic and paper products consumed
in the packaging of such far-traveling products. Buying
local reduces consumption of valuable natural
resources.
10. Use Wood Alternatives or FSC-certified Wood
Products
The type of flooring and cabinetry materials you use
can have a positive effect on your health and pocketbook
while reducing your environmental impacts.
Consider using environmentally preferable and
rapidly renewable products such as linoleum,
bamboo, recycled-content tile or non-VOC carpet.
Choose wood products from sustainably managed
forests, such as those certified by the Forest
Stewardship Council (FSC).Use locally sourced products when possible to
reduce carbon emissions associated with the
transportation of those products. |
9. Use Low-VOC Products
Improve your indoor air quality by switching to products
that don’t give off “volatile organic compounds”
(VOCs). Some common low-VOC or no-VOC products
include:
Paint: A low-VOC paint is available from most
major paint brands
Cleaning products: Low-VOC cleaning alternatives
are available for sale, or you can make your own VOC-free cleaning products using simple
household materials like baking soda, vinegar
and borax.
11. Use Rapidly Renewable Flooring Materials
Now there are affordable, durable, and rich-looking
flooring options made from grasses and trees that mature
in roughly half of the time (or less!) than it takes
hardwoods to reach market size. Bamboo, cork, and
eucalyptus flooring products are a sustainable alternative
to traditional hardwoods. |
| Green Your Yard |
12. Plant Trees to Provide Shade and Wind Protection
for Your House
This simple step can help you save money on heating
and air conditioning bills while providing beautiful
views around your home.
13. Use Native Plantings
Native plants have been growing and evolving in your
area for thousands of years and, as a result, have
adapted to the local soils and climate. As a result they
are more likely to thrive with minimal care, unlike exotic
plants. That can mean less need for water, fertilizer
and pesticides. Additional info on green landscaping
techniques can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/. |
14. Use Nontoxic Gardening Techniques
Many gardeners over-apply or improperly apply
pesticides, putting themselves, their families, and pets
at increased health risk. Nearly half of all households
have pesticides stored within reach of children. About
230,000 people each year are treated in hospital
emergency rooms for injuries relating to various lawn
and garden tools. Our clean air and drinking water are
affected by pesticides and garden equipment emissions. |
| Green Your Transportation |
| 15. Carpool, Use Public Transportation, Walk or Bike
When Possible
Environmental responsibility does not begin and end
at your doorstep; green transportation means can
greatly reduce your energy expenditures and carbon
emissions from your daily routine. |
16. Buy a High-efficiency Car.
See the U.S. Department of Energy’s list of most fuel
efficient cars at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/. |
