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Living Green, is basically making decisions considering the impact that decision would
have on the environment. Living Green is making choices that are good for the earth. |
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| Ideas for Living Green: |
| 1. Reduce energy and use renewable sources such as: |
• Energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and vehicles
• Well-insulated homes, passive and active solar systems, and buying green energy
• Working and playing near home
• Annually tune-up of your heating & cooling system to improve efficiency and comfort
• Clean or replace filters monthly or as needed.
• Install a programmable thermostat and to cut your heating & AC bills.
Use this handy online energy estimator
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| 2. Conserve and protect water |
• Water-conserving home toilets, fixtures and appliances
• Water-conserving landscaping and native plants
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| 3. Be aware of toxins and use |
• Nontoxic cleaning products and pest control
• Water-based and low-solvent paints
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| 4. Use products derived from plants |
• E-85 and biodiesel fuels
• Office furniture made from waste plant material
• 100% natural fiber fabrics like cotton or linen
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| 5. Buy locally grown, sustainable products, such as: |
• Organic food and cotton
• Buy vegetables from local farmers markets
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| 6. Buy products that have minimal packaging |
• Bulk purchasing
• Packaging that uses biodegradable materials
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| 7. Buy products that are durable, reused, such as: |
• Canvas shopping bags
• Salvaged building materials
• Reconditioned electronics
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| 8. Buy products that contain recycled material such as: |
• Decking made from recycled plastic and wood scraps
• Post-consumer recycled paper and other products
• Carpet made from recycled plastic
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| 9. Be aware of energy usage at home |
• Turn off lights when not in uses (i.e. when leaving a room)
• Turn down your thermostat in the winter and up in the summer
• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs.
• Close blinds or shades on the south and west facing windows during the day,
• Install trellises or awnings to avoid heat build-up south and west facing windows.
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| 10. Become socially responsible by |
• buying products made without sweatshop, child, or slave labor
• paying a living wages paid to producers under a fair-trade label
• investments in and/or making purchases from socially responsible companies
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