Being Green at Home
TIPS FOR BEING CONSERVATIVE AT HOME
- Purchase things in bulk quantities ex. one large box of breakfast cereal instead of two small boxes.
- Purchase durable items that will last you a long time ex. rechargeable battery.
- Purchase refillable items ex. dish washing liquid.
- Bring a shopping bag while shopping instead of requesting for plastic or paper bags.
- Use cloth instead of paper tissue for cleaning.
- Use renewable fuels where possible.
- Ride a bike for short trips.
- Purchase ENERGY STAR rated appliances.
- Replace incadescent light bulbs with compact florescent bulbs.
- Turn off all lights when not in use.
- Set your AC thermostat to 68 in the winter and 78 in the summer.
- Set your water-heater thermostat to 120
- In warmer months, close the blinds when you leave the room to keep it cooler.
- Open the blinds to let in natural light.
- Turn computer off when not at home.
- Set your computer for sleep mode when idle.
- Turn off your computer monitor when idle.
- Unplug items when not in use.
- Plug electronics into power strips and turn off multiple pieces of equipment at once.
- Consider using Gulf Power's Earth Cents program.
- Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.
- Air dry clothes instead of using a clothes dryer.
- Wash/rinse clothes in cold water
- Wash when you have a full load of dishes and/or clothes.
- Turn off the water tap promptly.
- Check for dripping taps and inspect taps and pipes to prevent water leakage.
- Take a shower instead of a bath.
- Don't run the hose while washing your car.
- Drive sensibly --do not speed or accelerate rapidly.
- Combine multiple errands into one trip.
- Keep tires properly inflated.
- Carpool whenever possible.
- Purchase more durable devices and items ex. plastic folders instead of paper folders.
- Purchase refillable items ex. mechanical pencils and refillable pens.
- Plant Florida friendly drought-resistant trees and plants.
- Use ECUA recycle program.
- Purchase recycled-content products