Go Green

Set your thermostat lower in winter and higher in summer to save on heating and cooling costs.

Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) once your incandescent bulbs burn out.

Wash clothes in cold water as much as possible. Up to 85% of the energy used to clean clothes goes into heating the water.

Use a clothesline or rack to dry your clothes to save the energy  used during machine drying.

Take shorter showers to reduce water use.

Install a low-flow showerhead. They’re inexpensive and the savings on your bill will pay for itself in a short time

Walk or ride a bike to school/work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.

Consider telecommuting if you live far from your work.

If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat is expensive when you consider the related environmental and health costs.

Buy locally raised, humane, and organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can.

Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.

Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminum rather than plastic, with you when traveling or at work.

Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items.

Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.

Wear clothes that don’t need to be dry-cleaned. This saves money and cuts down on toxic chemical use.

Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible.

Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes. E-waste contains mercury and other toxins and is a growing environmental problem.

Recycle your cell phone.

You can make very effective, non-toxic cleaning products whenever you need them. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap.