- Reuse – look for product packaging that allows for reuse, look for minimal throw away packaging, look for new uses for old items
- Reduce – replace old light bulbs with energy-efficient LED or Compact Fluorescent bulbs
- Tighten – air seal your home, this is the least expensive most effective way to achieve energy efficiency
- Eliminate – turn off electrical devices not in use, use smart power strips that get rid of phantom loads from appliance like televisions and phone chargers
- Strip – weatherstrip your doors and windows, open the windows in the cool mornings to ‘air condition’ your home, close blinds in the warm day to keep the cool in
- Hang Out – install a clothes line to dry your clothes instead of running that appliance that contributes to the humidity in your home
- Maintain – make sure your HVAC system is in top running order, change the filter, have a regular check-up from a technician that is trained in building science
- Conserve – fix drips and leaks in plumbing systems, plant native plants, use water efficient fixtures
- Insulate – make sure your attic, band board, crawl space, and basement are insulated properly, don’t settle for code minimum – ask for most effective amount of insulation
- Localize – buy, shop, and support local businesses that keep local dollars in the community
If we all do our part now, they will not have to work so hard to fix things when they graduate into the real world!
