Add Green To Your Spring

Here are some suggested ways to add some "green" to your spring.

Combine errands: Take that handful of small trips and create a one-trip adventure.

Change your light bulbs: Here is a bright idea: Replace regular light bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

Keep your car in shape: Get regular tune-ups, keep the tires properly inflated and change the air filter for better gas mileage.

Buy cleaner and greener: Energy StarÆ appliances use less energy and save money. Learn more about these and other air-friendly products at greenerchoices.org.

Play in the dirt: Add a twist to your exercise regimen and ditch the gas-powered mower for a push model or replace the leaf blower with a rake.

Take an air-friendly outing: Eliminate the hassle of traffic and parking for periodic trips to concerts and sporting events; transit can be fast and inexpensive.

Don’t idle: Walk inside the restaurant instead of using the drive-thru or turn off your car while you wait to pick up the kids at school.

Take a bike ride or walk: Replace short car trips with another great way to invigorate your exercise routine and keep pollutants out of the air.

Let someone else do the driving: Carpool or vanpool and save money and wear and tear on your car. Call 1-87-RIDEFIND to find a carpool partner or a vanpool in your area. Share the ride.

Skip the drive entirely: Teleworking one or two days can save an average of 72 hours each year and not to mention hundreds of dollars. Chances are you’ll be more productive too.

Courtesy of The Clean Air Campaign, www.cleanaircampaign.com


Angie’s List has simple tips on how to increase efficiency..and save the Earth

1. Add blown-in cellulose insulation to your attic to improve your home’s heating and cooling. It’s made from recycled, formaldehyde-free newsprint.

2. Use a rain barrel to collect water from your roof to water your garden.

3. Buy water-based paints with low volatile organic compound levels (VOC). Basically, the less glossy the paint, the fewer VOC’s it contains.

4. Buy minimally packaged goods. Less packaging can reduce your garbage.

5. Check your mulch level. If it’s low (fewer than 2 inches) calculate the area you want to cover in square feet and then in depth. Multiply the two numbers, then divide that number by 324. This is the number of cubic yards you’ll need to buy.

6. Install an efficient showerhead. This is an excellent way to save money on your water bill.

7. Cut energy consumed by your appliances by buying Energy Star ones (www.energystar.gov <http://www.energystar.gov/> ). They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy.

8. Use cloth napkins/towels instead of napkins/paper towels.

9. Store food in re-usable containers, instead of plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

10. Reuse plastic bags or buy canvas bags at the grocery store.

11. Join a toy library and give old toys to other families.

12. Don’t use electrical appliances for things you can easily do by hand such as opening cans, hanging clothes to dry, etc.

13. Print or copy on both sides of the paper.

Angie’s List Quick Poll Results*

79% Say they partially/completely live green
81% Are worried about the effects of climate change
67% Buy organic/locally produced foods
31% Say their next car will be a hybrid
29% Bought building materials from/donated to re-use center


*2,533 Angie’s List members took this poll. Responses are representative of Angie’s List members but not the general public