Text Box: “GO GREEN’

Text Box: 1. Lighting—If you’re not utilizing the area that is lit, turn the lights out. This will conserve energy and save you money.  Look for alternative lighting, such as LED’s, solar, etc. 2. Appliances—Buy energy star rated products.  These are more efficient and can reduce electric bills by up to 30%. 3. Unplug Unused Appliances—Much of all the electricity in a home comes from appliances that are turned off but still  plugged in. By unplugging those appliances and only  plugging them in when they are in use, you will save on utility bills and electricity.. 4. Conduct an Energy Audit—Contact your utility company and/or state energy department to see if they provide this service free of charge. 5. Insulate—Proper insulation keeps cold air out in the winter and  warm air remains inside. Vice-Versa in the summer. 6. Houseplants—Help keep indoor air fresh. 7. Solar Water Heater— Cost  $8,500.00 for a family of four.  Federal and State Tax Credits available for approximately 50%. Approximately 6 years to make a return on your investment. 8. Cleaning Supplies—Making your own using earth friendly ingredients such as soap, vinegar and baking soda allows for non-toxic cleaning, saves you money, time, and improves your air quality. 9. Paint—Look for low VOC paint. 10. Aerosols—Look for alternatives such as spray bottles, liquids, powders or roll-ons. 11. Cloth—Can be washed and used time and time again.  Paper products end up in landfills.  12. Laundry—Cleaning your  lint filter regularly will make          your appliance run better and be more cost efficient. 13. Air Drying—Hanging your clothes outside on a clothes line, will not only make your clothes smell great, it will also save on energy and save you money on your electric bill. 14. Landscaping—Planting trees and shrubs will provide shade during the summer and help protect your home from the winds of winter.  This will help lower your energy bill. 15. Leftovers—Make great compost, help reduce the amount of waste in landfills, and, create free and healthy fertilizer for your gardens. 16. Rainwater—Collect rainwater and use it to water your plants.  It is healthier for your plants than chlorinated water which kills bacteria, which inhibit plant growth. 17. Reduce Paper—Send e-mails instead. 18. Print double-sides—reducing the amount of paper products you use. 19. Water—Filter your tap water.  Less waste than plastic bottles and lower costs to you. 20. Work from Home—If possible.  Saves you time and gasoline. 21. Use Public Transportation—Buses, trains, boats, your own two feet.  Or downsize that vehicle to a more fuel efficient model. 22. Drive Smart—Inflate your tires, change your air filter and drive 55 mph on the highway. 23. Roll Down Your Windows—Instead of turning on the air conditioning in your vehicle, roll down the windows.  This will increase your mileage and lower your fuel usage. 24. Avoid the Drive Thru Window—Instead of idling your car in line with  your engine running, save gas by parking and placing your order inside. 25. Wash your vehicle at a drive thru.  More efficient than washing at home. 26. Bring Your Own Bag— BYOB your own bag to the grocery store or other department store, this reduces the amount of paper and plastic disposed of in the environment. 27. Buy In Quantities—By purchasing items in larger packaging, you not only reduce your overall cost you also reduce the amount of packaging that enters the environment. Plus, when you purchase in larger quantities, you reduce the cost of packaging and transporting smaller boxes to retailers. 28. Clothing—Look for clothing and handbags that are friendly to the environment, such as cotton, silk, etc. 29. In the Shower—Purchase lower usage showerheads to conserve water.  Look for earth friendly soaps. 30. Kitchen Sink—Equip your kitchen sink and other faucets with aerators.  Not only does this keep water usage to a minimum, it saves on utility bills. 31. Recycle—Recycling works both ways.  Not only should you recycle your paper, plastic, glass, etc., you should also purchase products manufactured from recycled items.  32. Get Creative—Reuse egg cartons for planting seeds. Crush egg shells and use around your plants.  Reuse coffee grounds in the garden, etc. 33. Celebrate Earth Day—April 22, 2008  - Earth Day falls on April 22 every year.   34. Get Involved—Start a recycling program in your home, office or school.   35. Quality Matters—Purchase quality products, they may cost a little more, but they last longer.  The payoff, you use the product longer and in turn create less  waste. 36. Lower your hot water temperature from 140F to 120F. This will save money, lower mineral buildup and corrosion, and prolong the life of your tank. 37. Donate—Old Clothes and other unused items to   charity. 38. Harness the Sun—Purchase solar lighting, and other solar products. Very earth friendly. 39. Remember The 3 “R’s” - Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.  This Document provided by the Cabell County Commission. At the Courthouse, recycling bins are in place and being used on a daily basis. The Cabell County Commission hopes that you find this information helpful, and that you will join us in our endeavor to keep the environment clean.    

Text Box: CABELL COUNTY

Text Box: 39 Everyday Ways for Going Green