Wednesday, January 23, 2008

16 Ways to GREEN your Home from The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

LOWER THE IMPACTS OF EVERYDAY LIVING :

A. Lower Your Utility Bills
- Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can be a huge energy saver. Replace some (or all) of your incandes-cent bulbs with fluorescents and enjoy reductions in
heat production, energy use, and electric bills! Savings: Changing five of the most frequently used light bulbs in your home can save you $100 per year on electric bills!

- Program Your Thermostat
When you are at home, keep the thermostat at 78°F or higher in the summer and 62°F or lower in the winter. Programmable thermostats allow you to program the systems to reduce output when they are not needed (e.g., when no one is home during the day, or in the evening when everyone is sleeping). Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $100 per year or more!

B. Choose Green Products
- Buy Local
Buying local produce reduces the amount of fossil fuels required for the transportation of products from other parts of the country or the world. It also reduces the amount of plastic and paper products consumed in the packaging of such far-traveling products. Buy-ing local reduces consumption of valuable natural resources.

C. Green Your Yard
- Plant Trees to Provide Shade and Wind Protection for Your House
This simple step can help you save money on heat-ing and air conditioning bills while providing beautiful views around your home.

D. Green Your Transportation
- Carpool, Use Public Transportation, Walk or Bike When Possible
Environmental responsibility does not begin and end at your doorstep; green transportation means can greatly reduce your energy expenditures and carbon emissions from your daily routine.

Download PDF file version here

Source : www.usgbc.org

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