Going Green at Home

When it comes to going green at home, the smallest changes can make a big difference, and the biggest changes can make a tremendous difference. Best of all, many of these suggestions are money-savers: you can do well by doing good.

Quick Fixes

  • Recycle. Aluminum cans can be recycled indefinitely, saving money and natural resources. Recycling paper saves money and trees. Recycling plastic, a petroleum product, is particularly important.
  • Find out where you can recycle items not picked up at curbside; at the website Earth 911 (see below), you can find local places to recycle batteries, tires, computers and more.

The key to living “greener” is to remember that “less is more.”

  • When your current light bulbs burn out, consider replacing them with compact fluorescent light bulbs; they cost more, but they last ten times as long as incandescent bulbs. (Both types of bulbs should not be thrown away in the garbage. Earth 911 can help you find out where to dispose of them safely.)
  • Don’t replace your cell phone, iPod or TV every time a new model comes out.
  • Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full.
  • Take shorter, cooler showers.
  • Use low-flow shower heads.
  • Use cloth instead of paper napkins.
  • Use cloth diapers for your baby.
  • Whenever possible, use a fan instead of an air conditioner.
  • Clean the filter on your air conditioner once a month.
  • Fix leaks.
  • Turn off the lights when you leave the room.
  • Any electric item that has a light on when it’s “off” is still using electricity; unplug such items when they are not in use. An easy way to save electricity is to plug appliances into a power strip and then turn the power strip on and off as needed.
  • Instead of turning up the heat, put on a sweater or sweatshirt.
  • Measure how much water you actually need to boil, rather than just filling the pot or tea kettle.
  • Use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint and varnishes.

Bigger Changes

  • When buying new appliances, chose Energy Star models; they use less electricity, which is better for the environment and for your bank account.
  • If your windows aren’t airtight, replace them with energy-efficient windows, which will make both heating and air conditioning more cost-effective.
  • If you live in a sunny location, consider putting solar panels on your roof. Many states and localities offer significant cash incentives or tax breaks if you do, and you won’t have to worry about the price of electricity going up.

A New Point of View

The key to living “greener” is to remember that “less is more”: less light, less heat, less plastic, less electricity, less stuff.  It all makes a difference.

Web Resources

  • Earth 911 (www.earth911.org/): This site includes tips, information, and a search feature to find recycling locations near you.
  • Energy Star (www.energystar.gov): This government site explains the Energy Star program.