Monticello Live

Change your light bulbs. Not just when they burn out. Exchange any incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescents. You will use only 30% of the energy and still get just as much light.

Look for the Energy Star logo. The symbol designates appliances that are energy-efficient. If you purchase only those that are certified, you may pay more initially for these items. Over time, however, you’ll save on energy bills while helping the environment.

Adjust your home thermostat. Try keeping the house a few degrees warmer in summer and cooler in winter. Chances are you will never notice the difference if you put on a sweater or keep a glass of ice tea at your side. You will notice those lower utility bills as you lower your impact on the environment.

Unplug appliances. Many electronics and small appliances merely go on “stand-by” when switched off. This means they could still be using energy. Your TV, for example, uses a quarter of its total energy while it’s “off.” Take a moment to unplug these energy-stealers when you are not using them.

Use “green” energy. Look for clean energy options in your community and ask your power company what is available. Solar energy systems for the home are an option in most parts of the country and wind power is used increasingly. Departments of water and power across the country are sourcing some of their power from alternative means, mostly due to political pressure. Encourage your municipal power company to use methane gas (from landfills for example), geothermal and hydroelectric sources. Some cities offer credit to homeowners for “green” activities such as replacing their lawn with succulent plants that look good but require little water.

Park the car. You’ll be a lot healthier if you walk or take your bicycle on errands, and so will the earth. CO2 levels go way down if you cut your use of the car by 20 miles weekly. Over the course of a year, you will save nearly a thousand pounds of carbon dioxide this way. Your car will hold onto its value longer and need less maintenance if you leave it in the garage more often. Not to mention the savings at the gas pump. Use rideshare options to get to work when possible and enjoy your new fit figure.

Recycle. Don’t just toss items out if they can be fixed, and keep them out of the trash and landfills. Use and re-use your own canvas grocery bags and avoid the plastic disposables. Keeping unnecessary items out of the landfill and allowing them to be re-used as raw materials is very earth-friendly. Make sure to recycle toxic items like motor oil properly and safely according to the rules in your area.

By taking these small, simple steps you are well on your way to reducing your carbon footprint!

Submitted by Katie Connelley and Rose Mencer

This entry was posted on Friday, March 2nd, 2012 at 7:14 am and is filed under Site. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.