Green Tips from Mascord Efficient Living

Conserving Water—What you can do:

• Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
• Fix leaky faucets and toilets
• If you must water your lawn or garden, use timers and drip hoses early or late in the day.

• Properly dispose of paints, motor oil and pesticides by recycling or taking them to a hazardous waste collection site. 
• Use low impact gardening techniques that avoid pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
• Buy organic produce, grown with fewer pesticides. 

Saving Energy—What you can do:

• Lower your thermostat in the winter and raise it in the summer.
• Have your furnace and air conditioner serviced and cleaned yearly.
• Turn down your hot water heater to 120-140°F.
• Check your refrigerator and freezer for leaky gaskets around the door.
• Caulk, weatherstrip and insulate walls, attics, basements, windows, doors and pipes.

• Install compact florescent light bulbs (CFL’s)where practical.
• Add dimmers and timers to light switches.
• Install a programmable thermostat
• Look for the “Energy Star” label when buying new appliances.
• Choose electricity from renewable resources. 

Reducing Waste—What you can do:

• Avoid wasteful packaging and single use products.
• Buy reusable, repairable, rechargeable or refillable products.
• Buy products made from recycled materials or in recycled packaging.

• Seek alternatives to harmful household cleaners, pesticides, paint removers and other products containing toxic chemicals. 
• Bring unused products to household hazardous waste collections in your community. 

Reuse and Recycle

• Try to reuse before you recycle
• Mulch or compost yard waste
• Sell or donate used clothing, furnishings, books, household items, etc.
• Recycle computers, TV’s and other electronics.

Home Improvement— What you can do:

• Buy non-toxic cleaners and other products.
• Follow directions when storing leftover products.
• Dispose of toxics at a household hazardous waste collection site.

• Use low-impact products and materials
• Install energy efficient lights and appliances.
• Use woods from sustainably grown forests.
• Buy carpeting and other products that are made of recycled content.
• Look for indoor air quality information on products you purchase.

Lawn & Garden— What you can do:

• Create a low-maintenance yard.
• Reduce turf grass to less than 75% of the total area.
• Replace grass with native trees and shrubs, flowerbeds and ground coverings.

• Use organic or low-impact gardening and watering techniques.
• If you use fertilizer, use a slow-release type no more than twice per year. 
• Use a mulching mower to shred grass clippings and leave them on the lawn.
• Compost yard waste.
• Conserve water by mulching and using a soaker hose or drip system.

Green Shopping—What you can do:

• Buy in bulk.
• Rent or borrow rather than buy.
• When appropriate, buy reused, reconditioned or refurbished rather than new.
• Remember:  recycling is the last resort when reducing or reusing aren’t possible.

• Avoid single serving and disposable packaging.
• Avoid things you can’t or won’t recycle.
• Buy reusable or refillable products and those from companies with good environmental habits.
• Buy goods manufactured locally.
• Donate or sell unwanted household items.
• Buy items with recycled content.

Automobiles and Travel— What you can do:

• Keep your car tuned, tires inflated, filters cleaned and oil changed regularly.
• Check air conditioner for leaks.
• Buy the lowest octane gas recommended for your car.
• Make sure your service station recycles oil, tires, batteries and antifreeze properly.

• Purchase a car that gets 30-mpg or more.
• Observe speed limits; accelerate smoothly and moderately; avoid tailgating or excessive idling.
• Try not to drive during peak hours.
• Try a low-emission vehicle that uses alternative fuel.

• Walk, bike, jog or take public transportation.
• Telecommute one or two days per week. 
• Carpool