Top 20 Green Tips for a Healthy and Energy Efficient Home

 Going Green is the most important issue that will shape our future!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink .

1.     Shut off lights and power off electronics; when not using, turn off lights and use Energy Star Compact Fluorescent's (CFLs) or LED lights, unplug electronics when not in use.

2.     Adjust your thermostat; adjust 2 degrees up in the summer, 2 degrees down in the winter, invest in a programmable thermostat so that you're not wasting energy when you're not home!

3.     Get home energy audit; This is a no brainer! . $75 co-pay (may qualify for a FREE audit) and they will weatherize your home, give you CFL's, low flow shower heads and insulate (all of which is paid for by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund), resulting an estimated 25-40% savings on your utility bills! How much will that save you per year? 10 years? For an energy audit call Tri City 203-874-8279 or Climate Partners 877-236-0886.

4.     Buy only ?Energy Star' labeled products; for appliances, A/C, electronics, etc.

5.     Conserve water and wash full loads only; to conserve water, shut off water when brushing teeth, use low flow shower heads, fix faucet leaks and wash full loads only when washing dishes and laundry, use cold water with laundry (saves energy and dollars from using heated water)

6.     Use a rain barrel; Capture the rain water from your roof, better for plants, reduces water usage.

7.     NO more water bottles; invest in a small counter water filter and use one stainless steel water bottle forever. It is healthier for you, will save you money and has a much less damaging effect on the environment.

8.     Buy recycled products; buy 100% recycled printing paper (use both sides), paper towels, etc.

9.     Recycle/Re-Use everything; give to Goodwill, Savers, drop boxes, they take almost anything!   Don't send to landfills! Be creative, re-think and look for other uses!

10.  Recycle All Electronics; recycle TV's, computers, ink cartridges ($3ea), games, etc. Bring to Staple's, DELL, Goodwill, etc.   

11.  Compost; Compost all veggie and fruit scraps, egg shells, coffee/tea, etc., replenishes the soil with much needed nutrients and reduces landfill garbage. See www.HowToCompost.org

12.  Buy from local farmers markets; Another no brainer! Local produce taste great, is healthier for you and the environment, less fuel used for transporting products, all around MUCH better choice!

13.  Chemical Free Lawns; don't use chemicals on your lawn, especially if you have young children and/or pets or live near the water. For better lawns cut grass at 3.5 to 4 inches. Taller grass keeps weeds from growing and helps prevent burnout during dry, hot seasons.

14.  Buy eco friendly products for cleaning; keep toxic chemicals out of our home and environment, buy eco friendly dish, laundry and house hold cleaning products. Many available today in the supermarkets.

15.  Dispose of Toxic Materials responsibly; drugs, paints, cleaners, batteries, etc., call city for places. 

16.  Save gas; keep tires properly inflated, remove excess weight from car, don't be a race car driver, drive conservatively!

17.  Take public transportation; use trains, busses when you can.

18.  Buy in bulk;  more product and less packaging = less waste!

19.  Say No to ATM, Gas receipts and bags for one or two items;  do not collect receipts if you don't need them, always bring a bag to the grocery store.

20.  Borrow and Share; share with family, friends and neighbors a lawnmower, camping stuff, bikes, etc.  

Let's make our community a healthy, green community that we can be proud to live in.