I had the privilege to attend a ‘Go Green’ seminar with some of my fellow Realtors and a group of esteemed panelists ranging in professions. All joined together to discuss the future of our earth and measures that can be taken to conserve energy and resources. What an overwhelming issue! I sincerely believe by each one of us incorporating some small changes into our daily routines we will make an immeasurable impact on the quality of life for our generation and those to come. Jessica L. Settle, Realtor
Conserving Power:
Ø Vacuum your refrigerator coils. Clearing out dust and debris will allow the compressor to run more efficiently.
Ø Use the oven self-cleaning feature while the oven is hot. Oven self-cleaning requires intense heat.
Ø Rethink the spare refrigerator, depending on size and location, it could cost you up to several hundred dollars a year!
Ø Clean your dryer’s lint screen regularly to allow the dryer to be the most energy efficient.
Ø Dust off light fixtures to allow the maximum amount of light from each bulb.
Ø Turn down the heat in your home and wear a sweater or add extra blankets to beds.
Ø Set the water heater below 120 degrees.
Ø Wrap your hot water heater in insulation.
Ø Use compact fluorescent light bulbs.
Ø Unplug chargers, power adaptors and appliances when they are not in use.
Ø Clean or replace your heating and cooling system air filters. This simple tip will save your system from working harder than it should.
Conserving Water:
Ø Upgrading to a 2.5 gallons per minute showerhead can save a family of four up to $45.00 month!
Ø A leaky faucet that drips a drop of water per second wastes roughly 192 gallons per month! Try tightening faucets or replacing old gasket or O-rings.
Ø Water your yard wisely. Use sprinklers that reach a defined are to avoid watering driveways and other paved surfaces. Water plants and grass early in the morning to aavoid daytime sun that will cause faster evaporation.
Ø Shorten your showers!
Waste Less:
Ø Use both sides of paper when printing or photocopying.
Ø Forgo cover sheets when faxing.
Ø E-mail whenever possible.
Ø Skip paper when possible. Sign up for online bank statements and opt “no” for receipts at the ATM, gas pump or teller window.
Ø Conserve gas by combing errands into one trip. Plan out your path to avoid covering the same ground more than once.
Ø Car pool to work and events.
Reuse:
Ø Save interoffice envelopes and file folders and use them again.
Ø Reuse shopping bags – not only for grocery shopping but for all shopping and errands.
Ø Collect old paper and use for scratch pads.
Ø Use the back of old paper for trial printing.
Ø Shred old paper and use if for packing material.
Recycle:
Ø Purchase office stationary that can be recycled.
Ø Place recycle bins next to the locations where paper is most often used (copier, printer and fax machines).
Ø Provide storage for full paper waste containers until collection day.
Ø Consult your local municipal authority or township (for both home and office) about recycling rules and regulations.
Ø Many counties and Chambers of Commerce offer household hazardous waste programs that properly dispose of motor oil, paint, cell phones, etc.
Thanks to Greater Harrisburg Association Of REALTORS |