I know that I have said all this before, but here are the highlights-repeated for Earth Day.
1. Make an existing home more energy efficient. If you are looking to buy a home, buy an existing home and make it more efficient. The greenest building is one that doesn’t need to be built. In the Cleveland area, there is no shortage of existing building stock, so make use of what already exists. Be sure to make the home you live in as energy efficient as possible. Put in double pane windows, make sure windows are caulked to reduce drafts, use heavier curtains in winter and lighter window dressings in summer, insulate the attic and install door sweepers to limit heat lost around doors.
2. Install a digital thermostat. Why heat the entire house all night and while no one is home during the day? A digital thermostat will turn on the heat when you arrive home, and before you get up in the morning.
3. Use the most efficient appliances available. Newer appliances can pay for themselves in energy savings in no time. Besure to look for the Energy Star label when buying new appliances.
4. Cut down on Vampire Electrical Use. Chargers and ready-on appliances draw electricity even when not in use. Unplug them when you aren’t using them to save energy. Put appliances and entertainment systems on a master strip and turn it off when not in use. Today’s appliances can draw heavy electricity even though they are not being used.
5. Save water. Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth and shaving. Time your showers. Install aerators on faucets. Install the low flow style toilets and shower heads. Install a rain barrel and use the water to water your garden or lawn. Use native plants that need less watering.
6. Use less light energy. Turn off lights when leaving a room. Use timers and motion sensors for outdoor lights. Buy and install Compact Fluorescent Bulbs. Use natural light whenever possible.
7. Reduce, reuse, recycle. Don’t print out emails. Recycle anything you can. Close the loop and support companies that recycle and buy products with recycled content. Buy products with minimal packaging. Reuse anything you can, and use reusable shopping bags.
8. Use less gasoline. Drive less, by combining trips for efficiency. Walk more and buy a bike. Take the bus or carpool sometimes. Make your next car a hybrid or very efficient car instead of a gas guzzler.
9. Replace your water heater. Instead of using a water heater that keeps 40-80 gallons of water hot all the time, buy a solar hot water heater or hot water on demand system.
10. Plant vegetation that will offer shade in summer, and make use of natural light to heat in winter.
