Easy tips for saving our resources

Electricity

• Turn lights off when not in use. Consider installing motion sensor lights for the outside of your home.
• Convert to fluorescent, use compact fluorescent bulbs, and use fewer lights.
• Turn off computers, radios and TV's when finished. If you are using a power strip, turn it off when finished - your electronics use electricity even when turned off.
• Activate your computers sleep mode, so it uses less electricity when not in use.
• Wash clothing in full loads and hang dry.

Natural Gas

• If you are in a cold climate, turn your heat down (even 1 degree can make a difference), wear extra clothing in your home (double up socks, use slippers, wear sweaters).
• Turn down hot water heater to “warm.”
• Fix drafts in windows, leaky ducts and faucets.
• Mow your lawn with a push mower (no engine). Hey - it's great exercise for you and doesn't pollute!

Water

• Buy a rain barrel to collect rain water. Use this for your lawn, plants, or garden.
• Install low-flow water spickets in your shower and sinks.
• If you wash your car, wash it on your lawn/grass (use biodegradable dishwasher soap). This way water isn't wasted - it waters your lawn!
• Don't let the water run when washing/rinsing dishes, or when brushing teeth.

Conserve / Reuse

• Re-use and Recycle. If you don't have a recycling program, call your local government to encourage them to create one. Some cities have drop off recycling programs.
• Pre-cycle - buy products that don't have excessive packaging.
• Keep grocery bags (cloth, paper, or plastic) in your car - re-use them when you shop for groceries.
• If you get coffee to go, bring your own re-usable travel mug. Also ask for fair trade or organic coffee.

Transportation

• Drive and accelerate slower, it saves gas and your money. Consider buying a more fuel efficient car - or alternative fueled vehicles.
• Check your tire pressure.
• If you are buying a car, consider an alternative fuel vehicle or a smaller car that gets top gas mileage.