Many people are now pursuing livable communities and an environmentally responsible lifestyle that is mindful of the following goal:
- Maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing the use of polluting fossil fuels
- Conserving the limited water supply
- Preserving the earth’s valuable natural resources and limiting waste production
- Improving air and water quality by avoiding harmful chemicals and pesticide
Here are some easy and inexpensive ways you can make a positive impact:
- Switch to an ultra-low-flow showerhead
- Replace light bulbs with efficient compact fluorescent lights
- Install a programmable thermostat to lower the temperature automatically for 8 hours
- Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping
- Change out the dirty air filters for HVAC units every 3 months so the system runs efficiently
- Use solar landscaping lights and entry or porch lights with motion detectors
- Plant fast-growing trees for shade (on east and west sides of home) and use air conditioning less
- Replace 2,500 sq. ft. of grass with native plants or low-water landscaping
- Program sprinkler timers to water before sunrise and for shorter time periods
Grow savings in your own organic garden
- Using natural fertilizers made from composted plant and animal materials avoids the environmental and health concerns associated with synthetic products full of chemicals and pesticides.
