CONSERVE IN LITTLE WAYS FOR A BIG IMPACT
- Does the water run from the faucet when you brush your teeth?
- Do you leave the TV or lights on when you leave the room?
- Do you keep things plugged in when they don't need to be?
Small changes from each of us - every day, every month throughtout the year - can make a big impact!
DISCOVER BRIGHT WAYS TO CONSERVE YOUR WORLD
- Let the sun shine in during colder months, which not only brightens up your rooms naturally, reducing the need for lights during the day, but it can help heat your home.
- Replacing conventional light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can save up to 66% in energy usage per bulb.
GO GREEN FOR REFRESHING CLEAN
- It's spring cleaning season! Fix up or find new uses for items you would otherwise throw out; or consider donating, selling or swapping.
- Before beginning the big scrub, consider natural cleaning products -- you now have a choice to use a variety of products that lessen their impact on the environment that shine our surfaces as good as ever.
IMAGINE YOUR DREAM GARDEN
- Before you begin planting this season, look into landscaping with plants that are native to your region's climate and soil type. Native plants usually require less water, are lower maintenance and often fare better, resulting in a more efficient and naturally beautiful garden that uses less resources.
PRESERVE AND CONSERVE
- It's easy to cut back on the amount of water used on a daily basis.
- Indoors install low-flow shower heads and toilets, and turn off the tap while shaving or brushing your teeth.
- Conserve water outdoors by placing a rain barrel under a downspout to reuse in your garden.
- And, don't forget timers on your sprinklers to avoid overwatering.
GREEN UP YOUR WORLD
- Green up your surrounding outdoor spaces by planting hedges and shrubs to create natual fencing and help reduce reflected light. Use mulch in your garden beds to conserve moisture and control weeds naturally, and use eco-friendly outdoor products, such a natural insect control and fertilizer.
EMBRACE A "GREENER" LAWN
- Embrace eco-friendly lawn care by mowing less often as taller grass can shade the soil surface and helps prevent the sprouting of weeds.
- If you have a smaller space to maintain, an electric, cordless or push mower can do the trick.
- Leave grass clippings on the lawn as a mulch.
- Water in the early morning or evening when evaporation rates are lower and use timed sprinklers.
BEAT THE HEAT & CONSERVE COMFORTABLY
- A ceiling fan can help your home feel more comfortable. It can also help to lower your energy bills by circulating the air throughout your home, allowing you to set your air conditioning thermostat higher, or even off.
- Your furnace and air conditioner will run less, which means savings for you.
PLANNING AHEAD
- It's time to start thinking about fall clean-up! A smart way to contend with fallen leaves and yard debris is to consider composting.
- If your city does not collect compostable yard waste, pick up a composter of your own.
- It's easy to do and can create a super-charged natural fertilizer for next year's garden.
RESTORE, REFURBISH, REUSE
- A fresh coat of paint, simple repair or alternative use can breathe new life into items you might otherwise discard.
- To keep home remodeling projects earth-friendly, consider reusing building materials whenever possible to reduce waste, or opt for environmentally-friendly alternatives.
PLANT TREES TO PRESERVE & PROTECT
- By absorbing carbon dioxide, trees help to counteract our carbon footprint which results from use of electricity and natural gas or oil.
- When placed appropriately around homes, trees can reduce energy costs by serving as wind buffers, creating shade, and reducing soil erosion and water pollution.
RESPECT THE ENERGY WE NEED
- Why not get the most out of your hot water and the heat in your home?
- Insulating jackets can be installed on most conventional water heaters and can greatly reduce the number of itmes it "fires" during standby.
- Evaluate heat loss throughout your attic and basement and insulate accordintly.
WINTER WONDERLAND OUTSIDE, COZY INSIDE
- Drafty windows and doors can greatly increase your home's energy consumption.
- According to the EPA, if you caulk or seal air leaks with weather-stripping, you can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1,000 pounds a year, and your home will feel more cozy without all those drafts!