My name is Katie and I am a stay-at-home mom to 3 wonderful children. I have recently made the decision to 'go green' because I have discovered the horrors of chemicals and pesticides in our conventional cleaning products, food and even clothing! However, I am not completely 'green', nor do think I ever will be. So I am making an effort to go 'Mint Green'! That is, I am doing what I can, within my means, to provide a clean, safe and healthy environment for my family to live in...... and if I help save the Earth along the way, all the better!
1. Unplug items when they are not in use - like cell phone chargers, toasters, coffee makers, night lights, lamps in guest rooms, etc. Even when you think these products are off, together, their "standby" consumption can be equivalent to that of a 75 or 100 watt light bulb running continuously. You can also use power strips (like the Smart Strip) to switch off televisions, home theater equipment, and stereos when you’re not using them.
2. Use sunlight wisely. During the heating season, leave shades and blinds open on sunny days, but close them at night to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows. Close shades and blinds during the summer or when the air conditioner is in use or will be in use later in the day.
3. Wash only full loads in your dishwasher, using short cycles for all but the dirtiest dishes. This saves water and the energy used to pump and heat it. Air-drying, if you have the time, can also reduce energy use.
4. In your clothes washer, set the appropriate water level for the size of the load; wash in cold water when practical, and always rinse in cold. Clean the lint filter in the dryer after each use.
5. Dry heavy and light fabrics separately and don’t add wet items to a load that’s already partly dry. If available, use the moisture sensor setting.
6. Don’t forget to flick the switch when you leave a room.
7. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL’s) around your home - in your lamps, ceiling fixtures, recessed lighting cans, ceiling fans, wall sconces, track lighting, hanging pendants, vanity lighting and outdoor lighting. They cost a bit more when you first purchase them, but they last A LOT longer, and you will see a huge difference in your electric bill.
8. Keep thermostat turned down – don’t turn up the heat…. put on a sweater. You can save up to 10% on your heating bill by turning down your thermostat as little as 1°!
9. Close the vents in rooms you spend little or no time in. This will direct the air to the other rooms you want to be heated, or cooled.
10. Dust your light bulbs. Believe it or not, dusty light bulbs actually use more energy than clean ones! Also, keep your daytime lights low or off.