Go-Green Tips
for saving the world (and your wallet)

There are many small changes we can make to help the planet. Changes to habits are often free or cheap (just require a little work) and may benefit you also. Significant material changes (insulation, appliances, etc.) may require an initial investment, but in the long-run will also end up saving you money (and they'll begin saving resources right away).

Tips
Links

Home / Heat

1. In cold weather, keep your thermostat low (high 60s/low 70s) and wear warm clothing.
2. In hot weather, use AC as little as possible (& set to mid-high 70s when in use).
3. Insulate - seal cracks with caulk or clay (this helps in both hot and cold weather).
4. Rugs/carpeting and heavy window shades/drapes will help insulate your home.
5. Regularly clean/maintain your heating system and air ducts for best efficiency. 

EnergyStar Home tips

Window Insulation (c/o EnergyWise)

EnergyStar Heating/Cooling

Electricity

1. Avoid incandescent lightbulbs. Use fluorescent or LED lights, which are more efficient and last longer. Note: LEDs are even more efficient & long-lasting than fluorescents.
2. Unplug electronics when not in use (or use power strip) to avoid "phantom load".
3.  Make sure part or all of your electricity comes from renewable sources. Contact your local power company to find out about your options for this.
4. Look for EnergyStar rating (or for lowest power usage) when shopping for new appliances.
5. Use rechargeable batteries; avoid disposable ones.

How to Green your Electricity

Mass Energy Renewable (incl. Wind)

Govt. Energy Savers

Voltaic Personal Solar Chargers

EnergyStar Appliances and Lighting

Environmental Impact of Energy (Wikipedia)

Water

1. Take quick (lower-temperature) showers and/or use low-flow showerhead.
2. For washing dishes, use basin of hot water or full loads in dishwasher with energy-saver on (turn off heat-dry function).
3. For washing clothes, use cold water and drying racks/lines when possible.
4. Turn off tap when not directly using it (e.g., while brushing teeth) and install aerators on faucets.
5. Wrap your water heater (~10$) for extra insulation

Water Footprint

Energy Federation Low-flow Showerheads & Aerators

EnergyStar Water Heaters

Water Usage & Privatization (FEP)

Food 1. Eat lower on the food chain (more vegetables) for better resource efficiency (land, water, energy).  
2. Eat more local foods (e.g., farmer's markets).
3. Eat more organic foods, which are safer for the land.
3. Avoid excessive packaging - buy in bulk & bring your own shopping bags.
4. Compost your food waste.

Go Vegan for the Environment (my vegan sourcebook)

Find Farmer's Markets in USA (LocalHarvest)
     Mass.gov - Farmer's Markets in MA

Home Composting

Recycle

1. When you have paper waste, cans, bottles or recyclable plastic containers, be sure to place in a recycle bin (or save to bring to local recycling facility).
2. When you can avoid using disposable containers, do it (bring your own reusable ones).
3. Recycle appliances and other complex items (e.g., computers, light bulbs) whenever possible. 
4. Donate used, but still useful items, like clothing, furniture and toys, to charity.		 Earth911 - find recycling near you

Fluorescent Bulb (w/ Mercury) Disposal & Recycling

Eco Bags: reusable bags for all kinds of uses
Cleaning / Chemicals1. Avoid "traditional" toxic cleaning products like chlorine bleach and drain cleaners.
2. Make your own non-toxic drain cleaner, glass cleaner, soap-scum remover and more
3. Understand the ingredients (which are harmful to your health and the environment and which are safe).		Easy recipes for non-toxic cleaners (PDF by Heather M.)

Common cleaning ingredients explained (PDF from Mother Earth News 52-54, 56, "Breathe Easy" 2007)
Drive1. Drive less (plan efficient errands and walk, bike or take public transit when possible).
2. Keep car well maintained (especially tire pressure and oil) & minimize weight in the vehicle - this will result in greater gas mileage.
3. Carpool when possible and always pick the most fuel-efficient vehicle.
4. While driving, accelerate and brake gently and reduce overall speed to maximize efficiency. Also, choose routes where you can best avoid idling in traffic or at stop lights.
5. Invest in a high-efficiency, low-emissions car (such as gas-electric hybrid) for your next vehicle.		Fuel Economy (govt. info)

Green Vehicle Guide (from EPA)
Other Transportation1. Locally, walk or bike when possible.
2. Support and use public transportation. 
3. For long-distance travel, buses, trains and boats are best.
4. Minimize flying (planes use a lot of fuel and emit a lot of gas).
5. When flying, use the most direct routes and purchase carbon offsets, but be sure the offsets are being used to reduce fossil fuel usage.

Hybrid Taxi service (SanFrancisco / Boston): PlanetTran

Atmosfair (German non-profit w/ carbon offsets)

Native Energy (US company w/ carbon offsets)

Computer1. Set your computer to sleep or shut down when not in use.
2. Set up power saver features and use blank screensaver to conserve energy.
3. Recycle old computer components.
4. For your next purchase, choose an environment-friendly computer. 		Blackle - About (energy-saving search engine)

EnergyStar Computers & Office Equipment
Phone1. Choose an energy efficient phone and keep as long as possible.
2. Use solar-powered chargers and other eco-friendly accessories.
3. Recycle old cell phones (usually can be returned to distributor).
4. Choose phone company that prioritizes the environment (e.g., Credo).		Recycling Wireless Devices

Credo Mobile - Mission
Junk Mail1. Reduce junkmail by contacting companies and other organizations that mail you and asking them to remove you from their mailing list. Or use service like Catalog Choice.
2. When you purchase goods, make sure the organization will not send you catalogs or share your address.
3. When you donate to a non-profit, do so anonymously or make sure they will not add you to their mailing list or share with others.
 Catalog Choice (service for managing junkmail)

DMAchoice (direct marketing association service for managing direct mail)

Opt Out Prescreen (for credit/insurance junkmail)
Shopping, Miscellaneous 1. Buy local, used and/or recycled items when possible (e.g., clothes at second-hand stores).
2. Buy items made with earth-friendly, renewable materials (e.g., hemp, bamboo).
3. Don't replace old items that still work (unless you can give to others for reuse).
4. Always bring your own bags, when shopping.
5. Research before buying manufactured items - are the materials environmentally friendly (e.g., recycled, recyclable or compostable) and does the company follow sustainable practices?		 WWF : How to help Reduce Your Impact

Low Carbon Diet   |    Mother Nature Network   |    Energy Star

Green People   |    CR: Greener Choices   |   CR: Greener Gadgets

eMission Facebook game    |    Preserve Products