Eco-Friendly Tips

“Green” Ideas

What does going “green” mean? Going “green” is simply making eco-friendly choices in the products we purchase and the food we consume for a healthier lifestyle.

• Pack lunches in reusable, PVC-free lunch containers and try to pack healthy waste-free snacks like fruits and vegetables.
   
• Use cold water to wash your clothes. It takes a lot of energy to heat water needed to do a load of laundry.

• Pay attention to packaging. Bring reusable bags when you go shopping and choose products with less packaging.

• During the heating season, open your curtains during the day to let sunlight in. In the evening, close your curtains to retain heat and reduce the chill from cold windows.

• Change regular light bulbs for more energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs.If each American changed out just 5 bulbs we would keep more than 1 trillion pounds of green house gases out of the air. That is equalto $6 billion in energy savings.
   
• Leave no trace. It’s important to leave the environment as you found it or in a more pristine state than what you encounter. Be sure to dispose of your waste properly when out on a hike, exploring in a forest or walking along the beach. Better yet, lend a hand and pick up stray litter to help protect wildlife.
   
• Keep your distance. Always view wildlife from a safe distance. Do not disturb animals, approach or try to feed them. Wild animals can be unpredictable and protective of their young and shelter. Use binoculars to view wild animals without disrupting their natural way of life.
   
• Stay away from wildlife that looks sick or injured. If you come across a sick or injured animal, do not try to help the animal yourself. Instead, call your local animal shelter or wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center and give them details about the animal. These trained professionals will be able to provide care in a safe setting to help the injured animal.
     
• Fix the faucet. That kitchen sink that has been dripping the past few months that you have been meaning to fix, now is the time! You can save nearly 3,000 gallons of water in a year just by fixing a leaky faucet.

• Don’t sit idle. When your car sits idle, you are burning fuels which release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.  When possible turn your car off!    

• Be energy efficient.  Purchase appliances that are energy efficient. Appliances that are turned off still use up electricity, its called standby power or vampire power.  So unplug appliances you aren't using!

• Use an eco-friendly snow and ice melt in the winter. Rock salt may be cheap but it creates problems for plants, groundwater supplies, pets and children who play outside. Keep your family and the environment safe with an alternative deicer that works in lower temperatures than traditional rock salt.

• Stop the drafts. Hold a burning stick of incense near windows and doors to locate gaps and drafts. You can easily seal these gaps with caulk for a warmer and more energy efficient winter.

• Invite people over. Instead of turning up the heat when the indoor temperature drops, invite friends and family for an impromptu party. Research indicates that each guest is the equivalent of a 175-watt heater! Not only will you have fun, you’ll feel toasty, too.

• Check out your local farmer’s market.  Buy in season, local autumn veggies in bulk now and can or freeze them for a healthy, delicious winter meal.

• Use a garden rake instead of a leaf blower to clean up the yard to conserve energy and get physical exercise. Once raked up, use the leaves as mulch to protect plants throughout the winter or add them to a compost pile.

• Visit a thrift store when planning your Halloween costume. Piece together a chic retro costume, create a styling masterpiece or get the little bit of inspiration you need to design a hauntingly perfect costume this Halloween – all for a reasonable price while keeping Mother Nature in mind.