Everywhere you look, everyone and everything is Green. Everything thing we do every single day has an impact on the planet. As an individual, you have the power to control the impact you make on a daily basis. While it’s easy to get overwhelmed, it’s also simple to begin making a positive impact.
Below are “10 Tips for a Greener House”
RECYCLE & REUSE
Buy a reusable water bottle to eliminate the use of plastic spring water bottles. If purchasing plastic bottles, be sure they are BPA Free.
Recycle cola cans/bottles, glass, plastics, metals, papers/cardboard. If your township does not have a curbside recycling program, take turns with a neighbor delivering recyclables to your local center.
Eliminate waste by choosing products that are biodegradable or recyclable. You can also go online to sites like www.coupons.com or www.couponcabin.com to take advantage of great savings.
Purchase the reusable cloth or recycled plastic bags to use in place of plastic grocery bags.
DISPOSE OF BATTERIES, PAINTS, OILS, OTHER VOLATILES PROPERLY
Safely dispose of paint cans, oils, batteries and other chemicals that could potentially contaminate the ground or water supply. To find out locations to properly dispose of volatiles, contact your local municipal department for drop off locations.
Visit your local pharmacy to ask about the proper disposal of expired and unused prescription drugs. If pharmaceuticals are thrown away with regular trash, or are flushed into the sewer systems, these can have a very dangerous effect on drinking water.
Donate or recycle old cell phones, digital cameras and camcorders. Donate items that are still in good working function to your local Salvation Army store (and don’t forget a tax receipt!). To find a location that will accept items for recycle, visit www.rbrc.org.
USE ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHTING
Turn off lights whenever you leave a room. For rooms that you prefer to keep lit for a certain amount of time during the day, set those lights to a timer.
Consider switching to compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs). They last up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs and will also contribute to a huge savings on your monthly electric bill.
Use solar-powered lighting in your yard or on your patio instead of electric lighting.
CONSUME LESS ENERGY
Open windows in warm weather, use fans and dehumidifiers to cut down on air conditioner and central air usage.
Use ceiling fans in the summer and winter. Reversing the direction of the blades will push warm air down, helping to keep rooms warm in winter.
Turn down the thermostat. Lowering it by just one degree can reduce heating energy costs by about four percent.
Seal doors and windows during the winter to prevent cold air from getting inside. In the summer, keep doors & windows sealed to keep cold air from air conditioning and central air inside. In 2010, the Government is issuing tax credits for upgrading to energy efficient windows. Visit www.energystar.gov for more details.
Adjust fridge and freezer temperatures. Refrigerators use up the most electricity in the household.
UNPLUG UNUSED ITEMS
Turn off electrical devices when you are done using them.
Don’t leave items plugged in that are not being used. This includes unplugging charging cords from outlets when you are done charging iPods, MP3 players and cell phones. Make it a morning routine of unplugging electrical devices such as TVs, fans, stereos, coffee pot, etc. before leaving for work.
Shut down computers and printers instead of leaving them idle or letting them fall asleep.
REUSE SCRAP PAPER
Pay bills online. Many companies will also offer discounts or other special offers for switching to electronic billing.
Put a stop to unsolicited mail including magazines and catalogs that you do not read.
Print on two sides. Let your kids color on the backside of used paper, or tear into small sheets to leave next to your telephone or computer for notes.
SWITCH TO ECO-FRIENDLY & NATURAL CLEANERS
Eco-friendly cleaning products are widely available at grocery and discount retailers! These products are not only safe for the environment, but also safe to use for your family.
Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot. Line dry during warm weather.
Use cloth napkins and reusable dishtowels instead of paper towels and napkins.
USE LESS WATER
Cut down shower time and bathwater levels.
Adjust water heaters down to 120°.
Fix leaky faucets and have your plumbing inspected on a regular basis.
PLANT A GARDEN
Gardening provides exercise, visual stimulation, and self-satisfaction.
Buy organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.
PLANT A TREE
Depending on the type of tree and where it’s placed, the shade can help cool your home.
Trees will convert pollutants to pure oxygen, welcome wildlife and tree roots can help stay erosion.
Trees absorb carbon dioxide, helping to reduce global warming.Everywhere you look, everyone and everything is Green. Everything thing we do every single day has an impact on the planet. As an individual, you have the power to control the impact you make on a daily basis. While it’s easy to get overwhelmed, it’s also simple to begin making a positive impact.
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