We Have Options!

I visited Urban Options a few days ago, a local organization that instructs homeowners on the finer points of green living. Whether you're looking to build, or seek to retrofit a preexisting structure, they're happy to advise you as to how to proceed in a balanced manner that takes the Earth's wellness into account. It really is amazing how simple and inexpensive environmentally respectful living can be! Even though our family has been mindful for many years now, there is always more to learn.

Taken from Urban Options' website:

Home Energy Checklist for Action

To Do Today

Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F). You'll not only save energy, you'll avoid scalding your hands.

Start using energy-saving settings on refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, and clothes dryers.

Survey your incandescent lights for opportunities to replace them with compact fluorescents lights (CFL's). These new lamps can save three-quarters of the electricity used by incandescent bulbs. The best targets are 60-100W bulbs used several hours a day.

Check the age and condition of your major appliances, especially the refrigerator. You may want to replace it with a more energy-efficient model before it dies.

Clean or replace furnace, air-conditioner, and heat-pump filters.

This Week

Visit the hardware store. Buy a water-heater blanket, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and compact fluorescents, as needed. If you can't find compact fluorescents locally, contact Urban Options.

Rope caulk very leaky windows.

Assess your heating and cooling systems. Determine if replacements are justified, or whether you should have them serviced to make them work more efficiently to provide the same comfort (or better) for less energy.

This Month

Collect your utility bills. Separate electricity and fuel bills. Target the biggest bill for energy conservation remedies.

Crawl into your attic or crawlspace and inspect for insulation. Is there any? How much?

Insulate hot water pipes and ducts wherever they run through unheated areas.

Seal up the largest air leaks in your house-the ones that whistle on windy days, or feel drafty. The worst culprits are usually not windows and doors, but utility cut-throughs for pipes ("plumbing penetrations"), gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets. All the little, invisible cracks and holes may add up to as much as an open window or door, without you ever knowing it!

Install a clock thermostat to set your thermostat back automatically at night.

Schedule an energy audit for more expert advice on your home as a whole. (ask about the Urban Options Home Check Up and Energy 'Fitness services)

This Year

Insulate. If your walls aren't insulated have an insulation contractor blow cellulose into the walls. Bring your attic insulation level up to snuff.

Replace aging, inefficient appliances. Even if the appliance has a few useful years left, replacing it with a top-efficiency model is generally a good investment.

Upgrade leaky windows. It may be time to replace them with energy-efficient models or to boost their efficiency with weather stripping and storm windows.

Reduce your air conditioning costs by planting shade trees and shrubs around your house-especially on the west side.

Know that you are making a difference!

My friends, I know that it is all too easy to slip into apathy regarding many things, environmentally conscious living included. Please, examine this list and consider implementing what changes you are able too. Maybe you feel like changes at the individual level don't make a difference, maybe you feel like no matter what you do it has no impact. THIS IS NOT TRUE! If we all take the time to familiarize ourselves with how we can contribute to healing our planet, there WILL be a cumulative effect!