GREEN IDEAS

BUSINESSES

Actions you can take that do not cost anything, save money and help the Global community.

1. Recycle glass, aluminum, plastic, newspaper and construction products.
2. Turn off lights, fans, computers and other electrical devices when not in use.  Unplug cell phone and battery chargers.
3. Adjust A/C thermostats for your air and heat i.e. higher in summer and lower in winter.  Turn off your electric water heater when there is not a need for hot water and when on vacation.
4. Turn down thermostats on water heaters.
5. Have your energy company perform an energy audit of your business and suggest ways to reduce energy usage.
6. Use the blue recycle bin to recycle newspaper, glass, aluminum, cardboard and plastic.
7. Bring your own cup to work.
8. Ask for refills at restaurants instead of using another cup or glass.
9. Use freecycle.org to post unwanted items which are still usable.

Actions you can take which will involve some expense but save money.

1. Use recycled products
2. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs.
3. Use environmentally friendly cleaning products. Avoid air fresheners and other perfume products.
4. Caulk and weather-strip all windows and doors.
5. Insulate water heaters and all walls and ceilings.
6. Use sustainable building material.
7. Check faucets and hoses inside and out for leaks. Replace washers in faucets and repair leaking garden hoses.
8. Use containers to catch rainwater for plant watering. Obey water restrictions.
9. Replace old appliances with energy star appliances.
10. Plan a week’s worth of errands to save gas..
11. Maintain vehicles in good working order and keep tires properly inflated.
12. Walk, ride a bicycle, use public transportation and carpool whenever possible.
13. Plant drought resistant native species and arrange landscaping to provide shade to buildings.
14. Offer your customers environmentally friendly bags instead of plastic or paper bags
15. Replace disposable air filters on a regular basis (monthly) or clean regularly if permanent.
16. Take all hazardous wastes to the correct county or city facility.
17. Advertise your environmentally friendly action and encourage others to take similar actions.
18. Have boxes for customers to return recyclable items to your store.  You will take these items to the correct facility.  By correctly disposing of these items you are helping the environment.

CONSUMERS

1. Use the blue recycle bin to recycle glass, aluminum, plastic, and newspapers.
2. Use sustainable building products.Take construction debris to the correct recycle site.
3. Turn off lights, fans, computers and other electrical devices when not in use.  Unplug cell phones and battery chargers.
4. Use recycled products.
5. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs.
6. Replace old appliances with energy star appliances.
7. Pay bills on line and save paper.
8. Adjust A/C thermostats for your air and heat i.e. higher in summer and lower in winter.  Turn off your electric water heater when there is not a need for hot water and when on vacation.
9. Turn down thermostat on water heater.
10. Use dishwasher and clothes washer only with a full load or at the correct setting for the load you are washing.
11. Insulate water heaters and all walls and ceilings.
12. Use cold water to wash clothes and air dry dishes.
13. Use cloth diapers instead of disposable ones.
14. Have your energy company perform an energy audit of your home and ask for suggestions to reduce energy use.  Implement the suggestions.
15. Use environmentally friendly cleaning products.  Do not use air fresheners and perfume sprays.
16. Insulate the water heater and where possible the walls and ceilings.
17. Caulk and weather-strip all windows and doors.
18. Install restricted flow showerheads.
19. Bring your own cup to work.
20. Ask for refills using the glass or cup you have rather than a fresh one.
21. Use energy star appliances when replacing appliances.
22. Replace disposable air filters on a regular basis (monthly) or clean regularly if permanent.
23. Check faucets and hoses inside and out for leaks.  Replace washers in faucets and repair leaking garden hoses.
24. Install restricted flow showerheads and low flush toilets.
25. Use containers to catch rainwater for plant watering. Obey water restrictions.
26. Plan a week’s worth of errands to save gas by consolidating trips.
27. Maintain vehicles in good working order and keep tires properly inflated.
28. Walk, ride a bicycle, use public transportation and carpool whenever possible
29. Use sustainable building materials.
30. Plant drought resistance native species and arrange landscaping to provide shade to buildings.
31. If you have a house plant a garden, convert yard waste into mulch and compost into fertilizer.  Consider converting your yard into a certified wildlife habitat.
32. Wear clothes made of sustainable material.
33. Use recyclable bags for shopping.
34. Buy seafood products that have the Marine Stewardship Council label and dolphin safe tuna.
35. Shop Organic.
36. Reduce junk mail by opting out 1-888.5OPT-OUT. 
37. Take all hazardous wastes to the correct county or city facility.
38. Use freecycle.org to post unwanted items which are still usable.