A Green Living Audit is the best way to determine your personal green action plan based on your own priorities. However, we have identified several low to no cost options to consider if you want to jump start your "Green Journey" with little cost. Remember, many of these steps not only reduce your environmental footprint but save you money as well.
| Improvements |
Cost |
| Replace weather stripping on doors |
$8/door |
| Replace old light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs |
$1 above regular bulb |
| Turn down hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit |
$0 |
| Wrap hot water heater with insulation |
$20 |
| Vacuum refrigerator coils annually |
$0 |
| Turn off power strip for computers, chargers, TV, VCR,and stereo when not in use |
$0 |
| Close the blinds/drapes on windows facing the West in the summer and open them in the winter |
$0 |
| Change air filter in heater/air conditioner every 3 months |
$40/year |
| Check tire pressure for correct inflation level every month |
$0 |
Set your thermostat to a lower temperature in the winter and higher temperature in the summer – Dress for the weather!
|
$0 |
| Use fans when warm before air conditioning |
$0 |
| Paint the roof of your home white |
$.55/sq ft + labor |
| Put computer in sleep mode when it is not in use |
$0 |
| Use cruise control when possible while driving |
$0 |
| Sell your car and join a car share service |
$0-$50 to join;
$3-$9/hour or $30-$60/day |
| Hang clothes on a line to dry, instead of using a dryer |
$0 |
| When using a dryer throw in a clean, dry towel to decrease drying time |
$0 |
| Install low flow shower heads |
$70-$100 |
| Cook outside during the summer to keep your home cool |
$0 |
| Use a microwave to cook, which saves energy in all seasons |
$0 |
| Remove shoes when entering your home to keep dust and contaminants out. |
$0 |
| Recycle and compost whatever you can |
$0 |
| Manage junk mail when by asking: A) To be removed from their mail lists or B) To limit marketing to X times per year |
$0 |
| Use natural, homemade products for cleaning. Visit www.eartheast.com for ideas. |
$0 to $10 more |
| Use reusable shopping bags at the grocery store and reusable beverage mugs when possible |
$10 per bag/mug |
| When repainting buy Low/No VOC paints and stains |
$0 to $10 more |
