Eco+Tips

Thinking about 'Going Green?' Here’s how you can! Conserve Energy: 1. Change your thermostat settings and close vents in used rooms. Winter settings between 66oF-68oF, Summer settings between 76oF-78oF 2. Lower thermostat setting on hot water heater (around 115oF) and use an insulation blanket to keep the warmth in. 3. Make sure home is well insulated. 4. Turn off (__and unplug__) electrical appliances when not in use. 5. Unplug cell phone, PDA, and other chargers when not in use. 6. Put computer in “sleep mode” or “hibernate” when not in use for a quick start up when you need it again. 7. Run only full loads in the dishwasher. 8. Wash clothes in warm or cold water whenever possible. 9. Set refrigerator between 37 F-40 F. 10. Turn off lights when not in use and Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. 11. Buy energy efficient appliances when replacing old ones. Conserve Water: 1. Turn off faucet while brushing teeth and shaving. 2. Take short showers instead of baths. 3. Use washer when fully loaded or adjust the water level for smaller loads. 4. Install low flow faucets and shower heads. 5. When washing dishes by hand, shut off faucet while scrubbing and turn back on to rinse. If you have a double sink fill each side, one with soapy water and the other with rinse water. 6. When washing your car, use a bucket or a hose that has an automatic shut off nozzle. 7. Water lawn and plants only when needed. Make sure to water in the early morning or evening to reduce the amount of water evaporated. Reduce Waste: <span style="color: #993300; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia; msobidifontfamily: Georgia; msofareastfontfamily: Georgia; msolist: Ignore;">1. Instead of paper or plastic, use ceramic mugs, china plates and silverware. <span style="color: #993300; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia; msobidifontfamily: Georgia; msofareastfontfamily: Georgia; msolist: Ignore;">2. Give away or donate unwanted items that are still in good condition. <span style="color: #993300; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia; msobidifontfamily: Georgia; msofareastfontfamily: Georgia; msolist: Ignore;">3. Create a compost pile. <span style="color: #993300; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia; msobidifontfamily: Georgia; msofareastfontfamily: Georgia; msolist: Ignore;">4. If possible, buy products with less packaging. <span style="color: #993300; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia; msobidifontfamily: Georgia; msofareastfontfamily: Georgia; msolist: Ignore;">5. Use reusable/resealable containers to store lunches and leftovers. <span style="color: #993300; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia; msobidifontfamily: Georgia; msofareastfontfamily: Georgia; msolist: Ignore;">6. Recycle used electronics. <span style="color: #993300; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia; msobidifontfamily: Georgia; msofareastfontfamily: Georgia; msolist: Ignore;">7. Recycle plastic bags at your local supermarket or buy reuseable bags. <span style="color: #993300; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia; msobidifontfamily: Georgia; msofareastfontfamily: Georgia; msolist: Ignore;">8. Recycle plastic containers and bottles (__remove and throw away all lids!!!__), glass, cans, and paper at home.