Home improvement
Rethink garbage
Start a compost pile in your backyard. A compost pile is a great way to make your garbage work for you and even cut down on the need for so many plastic trash bags.Compost will improve the quality of almost any soil, and for this reason it is most often considered a soil conditioner. Compost improves the structure and texture of the soil enabling it to better retain nutrients, moisture, and air for the betterment of plants. You could spend hundreds of dollars a year at the gardening store to get the same benefit you may get from a well-functioning compost pile. Coffee grounds, eggshells and green kitchen waste from meals make fantastic compost. You may find that your garden will start reflecting how you feel about it inside.
Composting.
A little less garbage. A little better topsoil.
How hard is this? Moderate
Keeping the outside out
A well-insulated house can prevent hundreds of pounds of CO2 emissions per year and can cut your heating and cooling bills by up to 20%Insulating ceilings, walls, attics, floors, crawl spaces and basements to recommended standards can reduce heating and cooling costs by 5% to 25%. You may find that your thermostat can be turned down a few degrees more in the winter, up a few more in the summer, once your home is using it better. Insulation can also cut down on ambient smells and noises in your home, helping you sleep better and feel safer.
Insulating.
A little less brrrr. A little better bank account.
How hard is this? Moderate
You're a star, too
An ENERGY STAR refrigerator uses 50% less energy and could reduce your utility bills by $112 annually. Use ENERGY STAR rated appliances whenever possible.ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies that use 10% - 50% less energy and water than standard models. The money you save on your utility bills can more than make up for the cost of a more expensive but more efficient ENERGY STAR model.
It's especially important with appliances that must be on at all times - such as refrigerators and freezers. Even if you only replace these items with an ENERGY STAR rated one, you may still see a substantial difference in your energy usage.
ENERGY STAR.
A little less money. A little better kitchen.
How hard is this? Challenging
There's a reason why the sun is always drawn with a smiley face
Use solar power or other alternative renewable power when possible. Check with your utility company to see if they offer green power (electricity from renewable energy sources like sun, air, water) pricing plans.The leading cause of industrial air pollution is electricity production. Utility companies in 35 states offer green power pricing plans. Check to see if your state is on the list at: eere.energy.gov/greenpower. It can cost less than you think to switch your power provider over to a green power provider, making it possible for your whole home to be powered by green energy. And that smiley face is contagious.
Solar power.
A little less coal. A little better smiley face.
How hard is this? Challenging
