51 Easy Green Ideas

1. Use compact florescent light bulbs.
2. Clean the back coils or bottom of the refrigerator – it will be more energy efficient and reduce electric bills
3. Get air conditioners serviced and change filters frequently
4. Set the temperature in your home a couple of degrees warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter.
5. Use dishwasher and washing machine after 9 p.m. Use only a full load and energy saving setting. Set the last setting of the dishwasher to air dry.
6. Get a low flow shower head and toilet.
7. Do not take more than 2-3 minutes for a shower. You don’t get cleaner and as soon as you get out of the shower the temperature will cool you down immediately.
8. Look for the triangle on the bottom or back of packages that will tell you it is recyclable.
9. Fill in pool after 9 p.m.
10. Set irrigation timer for after 9 p.m. or early in the morning.
11. Use household items such as vinegar and baking soda for cleaning
12. Get a hot water heater that gives you hot water on demand – is not on at all times.
13. Wrap hot water heater in an insulated blanket.
14. Take a cloth bag to the supermarket to reduce plastic bags
15. Recycle, recycle, recycle. Take books not longer being read to the public library.
16. Give old clothes to agencies that help the homeless, abused women, etc.
17. Give clothes, furniture and household items in good condition to agencies that help people get out of unfortunate circumstances – e.g. forced out of their house due to a fire.
18. Bundle newspapers and magazines and put them in the recycle bin.
19. Try to buy foods and products grown or made locally.
20. Give old computers to your local community college where they use them to teach the students.
21. For corporations, there are companies that will pick up old computers.
22. Take a class at your local Water Dept. on desert landscaping.
23. Get an energy audit of your home from your local APS or SRP.
24. Windows are a source of leakage for air conditioning & heating.
25. Check if windows need re-caulking or weather strips.
26. Use low or zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints (formaldehyde free)
27. Many laundry detergents use harsh chemicals that irritate the skin. Read the ingredients.
28. Don’t use dryer – or very lightly. Use a drying rack.
29. Walk, ride a bike, ride the bus or carpool.
30. Energy efficient appliances. Energy Star.
31. Offer to plant a tree in the city – it will eat up more co2 than if planted in a forest.
32. Plant a tree near your house – it will keep it cooler.
33. Buy carpeting that is bio-degradable.
34. Shred papers and put in recycle can.
35. Salvage yards can be a great place to find items that can be reused or turned into new items.
36. If building a new house or remodeling, use a LEED (leadership in environment and energy design) architect.
37. Use bamboo or its equivalent that is certified and harvested in a sustainable manner for cabinets or flooring or stone for counter tops. Recycled glass tile is very decorative.
38. Do not buy products with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or dioxin as they are a health hazard. It can be found in toys, shower curtains and packaging. PVC can raise the toxic levels indoors by releasing gas in the air and dioxin is a human carcinogen. These are not recyclable.
39. In the garden, use pesticides and chemical free sprays.
40. If building a new home or addition, use a builder who does not use stick building. Wood warps, is not fire resistant and attracts termites.
41. Ask if geothermal heating is possible.
42. Check with the Scottsdale Green Building department for lists of vendors and products.
43. Use ceiling fans to circulate the air.
44. T.V’s. Some plasma screens use up to 6 times the energy as LCD (liquid crystal display) screens but each model has different specifications. Check Energy Star label.
45. Turn off lights when not using a room.
46. Close off vents for rooms rarely used.
47. If purchasing a solar system or other installation, check if there is a rebate or tax credit.
48. Turn off the computer if you will be away for an hour or more.
49. Pull plugs on appliances; toaster, t.v. electronics.
50. Purchase an energy efficient power saver plug.
51. Purchase gasoline after 4 p.m.