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EC FRIENDLY Make Your Home


When it comes to the environment, we each have a responsibility as global citizens to do our part, beginning with our own home. We all probably do a few things to conserve, but with a little more effort, we could really make a major impact. Here are some small changes that could help us live more lightly on the Earth and save more money at the same time.


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Unplug appliances when you’re not using them or use a “smart” power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts phantom energy use.


Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. It is easier on fabrics and since as much as 85 percent of energy used goes to heating your water, there will be an additional cost savings.


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Plant drought-tolerant native plants that need minimal watering and occur naturally in your area.


Use dimmer switches, timers or motion sensors on incandescent lights, if you have them.


Save water by using a broom instead of the garden hose to clean your driveway or lanai.


Put your computer on hibernate mode. Every 30 minutes while you are away from the computer, it turns off, but not to the point where you have to restart.


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Want hardwood floors? Opt for bamboo that has a relatively fast replenish rate of only 4-6 years com- pared to the 50-100 years for typical hardwoods.


Donate or recycle your cell phones, computers, and other electronics. E-waste is a growing environmental problem because it contains mercury and other toxics.


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Clean the lint filter in you clothes dryer to realize big savings


Purify your tap water with a water filter, and lose the plastic bottles.


Put a faucet aerator on each faucet and conserve your heat and water while keeping your water pressure high.


Give your air conditioner a break by creating shade. Use shades, awnings, sun screens, or even a tree or plant to save up to 8% of your cooling costs.


According to the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. generates about 208 million tons of municipal solid waste a year. That’s about 4 pounds per person per day. With minor conscience changes at home, we can benefit the planet and our own health and happiness.


by Arleen Showalter


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