| These tips can make a big difference on our | | | | 8. Ride your bike to work or errands. Encourage |
| environment and your wallet. Some are just | | | | your children to do the same. If you live too far |
| about being mindful of our daily activities and | | | | for a bike invest in a scooter to save on gas. |
| others can save you big money. Most of them | | | | Europeans have been doing both of these for |
| are very easy and cost little or nothing to | | | | years, it isn't impossible. |
| implement. | | | | 9. Drive a fuel efficient car and keep it in top |
| 1. Focus on native plantings for your garden - | | | | running shape. |
| they are often pet resistant and need less | | | | 10. Conserve water. Turn it off while brushing |
| watering. | | | | your teeth. Do only full loads of laundry or dishes. |
| 2. Use rain barrels to collect rainwater to water | | | | Put garden hoses on timers. |
| your garden, this can save big money on your | | | | 11. Use LED lights to replace existing PAR or |
| summer water bill. Gardener's Supply Catalogue | | | | Incandescent light bulbs. If you have ceiling "cans" |
| has excellent choices. | | | | you probably have PAR lights which are hot and |
| 3. Plant trees to provide shade to areas of your | | | | use lots of energy. Replacing them with the PAR |
| home where mid-day sun heat is strongest during | | | | LED replacement emits no heat and will bring huge |
| the summer months. | | | | energy savings. They also have the replacement |
| 4. Plant your own veggies and herbs so you can | | | | for incandescents. A great website to find these |
| walk outside when you need something rather | | | | is 12. Build with renewable building materials. |
| than running to the store. | | | | Remodel thoughtfully rather than just tear down |
| 5. Consider solar energy. Even if you aren't in the | | | | an existing structure. Think of the impact a |
| "sun belt" the average U.S. city receives more sun | | | | project has on a landfill. |
| than Germany which is the world leader in solar | | | | 13. Use fans rather than air-conditioning. |
| energy. Canadians use it successfully. Solar energy | | | | 14. Use only real plants indoors. Real plants put |
| is not just for someone else. | | | | oxygen into the air and help keep it clean. Fake |
| 6. Use only appliances with the Energy Star logo. | | | | plants end up in landfills and they really don't look |
| They use from 10-50% less energy and water. If | | | | that great. |
| you are using a 20 year or older major appliance, | | | | 15. Use low VOC (volatile organic compounds) |
| you are overspending on your energy bill. | | | | wallcovering, floor covering and paints. There are |
| 7. Be mindful of your driving habits. Plan your trips | | | | great products that are durable and don't produce |
| to the store, school and work. Create routes that | | | | toxic odors. |
| allow you to accomplish more on one trip rather | | | | Check out our website for other "green" |
| than going back and forth. | | | | information. |