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green living

Living sustainably has two components: your lifestyle and the material objects you surround yourself with. Here we provide tips to “greenify” both your home and your lifestyle.

Green Habits

1. Turn off and unplug electronics when not in use.
2. Ride your bike instead of driving.
3. Fill your fridge (an empty fridge is an inefficient fridge).
4. Use natural ventilation when outdoor temperature is comfortable.
5. Drink tap water instead of bottled water.
6. Dry clothes by using a clothesline instead of a dryer.
7. Shut off your computer instead of putting it to “sleep.” Also, turn off your printer when it’s not in use.
8. During hot weather, if cooking, block off the kitchen from rooms being cooled.
9. Lower the thermostat in the winter and raise it by a couple degrees in the summer. By some estimates, AC costs increase 10% for each degree the thermostat is lowered from the optimal temperature of 78 degrees F.
10. Check to see if the flue damper is open in your fireplace; keep it closed when the fireplace is not in use.
11. To passively utilize the sun’s energy in the winter, allow sunlight to enter the house by keeping curtains pulled back. In the summer, keep curtains and blinds closed.
12. To save water, promptly fix leaky faucets and pipes, shower instead of taking a bath, take shorter showers, and turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.

Green Homes

1. Use high-efficiency appliances (LCD TVs, induction stoves, chest fridges, compact-fluorescent lights).
2. Use renewable energy and heat sources (solar panels, wind power, evacuated tubes).
3. Seal your ducts.
4. Tighten your house to prevent air leaks.
5. Install high-efficiency windows to prevent leakage.
6. Put in dual-flush toilets (two settings, depending on use).
7. Install a rainwater catchment system to lower municipal water use.
8. For landscaping, select plants that require less water or plants that will provide shade for your home.
9. Check insulation in places like the attic, basement, doors, and windows.
10. Ensure that windows are properly sealed and weatherproof them, if necessary. Also consider purchasing double-paned windows to prevent heat and cooling loss.
11. Insulate hot-water tank and pipes.