Earthday Home Tips:
Looking to do something to help the planet? Here are some ways to start right in your home.
Save electricity on Lights:
Choose Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs – (CFLs) use 66% less energy than a standard incandescent bulb and last up to 10 times
Turn off lights in rooms you are not using!
Save Water:
Put an aerator on all household faucets and cut your annual water consumption by 50%.
Install a low-flow toilet. They use only 1.6 gallons per flush, compared to 3.5 gallons per flush for pre-1994 models. If you have an older model, adjust your float valve to admit less water into the toilet’s tank.
Dry your clothing on an outside clothes line when possible.
Do like they taught you in elementary school –turn the faucet off while brushing your teeth! Never leave a facet running!
Watch thermostat:
Turn down the thermostat in cold weather and keep it higher in warm weather. Each degree below 68°F (20°C) during colder weather saves 3%-5% more heating energy, while keeping your thermostat at 78°F in warmer weather will save you energy and money. A programmable thermostat will make these temperature changes for you automatically
Clean your furnace’s air filter monthly during heavy usage
Consider a new furnace. Today’s furnaces are about 25% more efficient than they were in the 1980s. (And don’t forget to check out furnaces carrying the Energy Star label.)
To keep you cool in warmer weather, shade your east and west windows and delay heat-generating activities such as dishwashing until evening.
Use ceiling fans instead of air conditioners. Light clothing in summer is typically comfortable between 72°F and 78°F. But moving air feels cooler, so a slow-moving fan easily can extend the comfort range to 82°F.
Clean Green:
Stop buying chemical cleaners! Use natural alternatives. Check out this link to see some options and ideas: http://eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm.
Reduce paper use:
Use cloth when possible – no paper napkins (cloth), no paper towels (dish towels) etc…
Remove yourself from junk mail and come-on lists,
- Junk mail: http://www.dmaconsumers.org/consumerassistance.html
- Credit card or insurance offers: https://www.optoutprescreen.com/?rf=t or 888-567-8688
Use cloth grocery bags.
Buy unbleached paper when possible
Buy 100% post-consumer recycled paper products from greeting cards to toilet paper.
Home remodeling:
Hardwood floors opt for bamboo, bamboo is a high yield and fast replacement rate crop. Also opt for formaldehyde-free glue.
Use zero- or low-VOC paint – these reduce the smog, ozone polluting and air quality problems associated with house paints.
Garden Green:
- Use native plants
- Avoid spraying chemicals
- Plant Perennials
- Use natural fertilizers
- Water in the earl morning
- Set up rain barrels to water your gardens from
- Use biodegradable pots in place of plastic
- Mulch to reduce weeds and heighten water retention
Replace old appliances with newer high-efficiency models.
Isolate you refrigerator – do not place it next to other appliances which give off heat and reduce its efficiency
Choose reclaimed wood furniture when possible or high yield fast grow woods.
Buy nature fiber linens non-bleached when possible.
Make sure your upholstered furniture is stuffed with soybean foam.
Plant ryegrass, fescue or other drought resistant grasses for your lawn to reduce water consumption.
Use a push mower on your lawn to save on emissions.
Install solar panels on your roof.