Going Green

[rubytue]

For those using CFLs (i.e. curly bulbs) - make sure you dispose of them properly as they contain small amounts of mercury. They have to go with hazardous waste or to a recycling place.

We are currently in a temp apt with no recycling (!!!), so I'm going with my previous residence and our plans when we move in 3 weeks.

Previous:
* recycled
* composted
* turned off lights, didn't let water run
* insulated our house well
* programmable thermostat
* energy star refrigerator
* donated clothing to goodwill or planet aid
* donated building material to Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Next house (plans) all of the above plus:
* front load washer
* rain barrels
* phosphate reducing septic (contributes to groundwater)
* recycled materials for decking (Trex or something similar)
* most building materials bought from non-profit and/or architectural salvage
* live 7 miles from the office, will bike to work some
I want to go with CFLs, but my husband is an electrician who does a lot with lighting. He loves recessed lighting too much and we both love dimmers. Just today, I found a dimmable CFL, so I may check that out.

[tet tea]

Has anybody had an energy audit done on their home? I'm interested in having one done (when I finally get my own place) since I heard that they can really help you save BIG $$$ in the long run.

[square peg]

I've always heated my home with wood. Very old fashioned and lots of work involved, but a quite renewable source of energy. Laundry is always done with cold water and hung on the line or a rack indoors and I seem to cook most meals as if I was feeding an army, freezing much of the leftovers. Lights are dimmed - much more romantic that way!

[lilypad]

Have done all the above for years, probably even before Gore got on his phoney bandwagon....

I wash and reuse plastic bags, foil, etc. A friend of mine rewashes used paper towels and hangs them up to dry!! Have not gone that far yet. I enjoy my outing to the recycling bins monthly!

Great resource is Tightwad Gazette series.

[vpcats]

Originally Posted by tet tea

Has anybody had an energy audit done on their home? I'm interested in having one done (when I finally get my own place) since I heard that they can really help you save BIG $$$ in the long run.

I did when I bought the current house 4.5 yrs ago. Basically, the most important thing was that the attic was not insulated so I immediately got that done with the ultra extra stuff (which makes the attic unuseable for any storage because of the fiberglass). I also changed all my windows and they're slightly tinted.

I forgot... I have energy star appliances too (kitchen and laundry).

[AksarbeN]

I’ve been trying to go green for years, but my wife continues to spend it!