It’s the start of a new year, time to complete those green resolutions. Decrease your carbon footprint, help the environment, and save money too. Here’s your starter list:
1. Water Heater – lower the temperature to 120 degrees – you won’t notice the difference except on your gas bill.
2. Programmable thermostat – will cost you less than $50 at the hardware store, you can install it yourself and you’ll save energy and money, and be more comfortable at home to boot.
3. Recycle more – make sure you are putting all your food waste into the green bin, and keep your plastic bags and clear plastic wrap in a separate pail to recycle once a month (or bring to the grocery store for recycling).
4. Plant that vegetable garden – use your front yard to inspire your neighbors – start small, just lettuce, tomatoes or squash.
5. Refrigerator - Vacuum the back/bottom of your refrigerator to keep the coils clean for more efficiency. If your fridge is older than 10 years consider replacing it for a huge energy savings (save $ too).
6. Washing machine – change yours to a front loader – you’ll save lots of electricity, water and gas. With the PGE and EBMUD rebates and cash savings, it may pay for itself in less than two years.
7. Bay friendly landscaping – change out some of those water thirsty hydrangea to low water plants, more appropriate for this climate. Changing your outdoor pots to succulents will save you some watering time too.
8. At work – bring some of these changes you’ve made at home to your workplace – inspiring your co-workers, decreasing waste and saving your office some money as well.
9. Commute - walk to school – spending extra time with your kids and getting you out exercising. Carpool, use the number 11 bus, take BART.
10. Carbon offsets – buy carbon offsets for your home and travel to support carbon reduction programs – neutralizing your own effects on the environment. Climate Smart offers an easy option for your home energy use, or many groups like TerraPass offer options for your airline flights and auto use.