Green Living

Spring is here and summer, with its warmer temperatures, is just around the corner. Here are some tips that can help you, and your energy bill, stay cool this summer.

• B-B-Qing outdoors instead of using the stove indoors keeps the inside of your house cool.
• Drapes, shades, and awnings shield windows from the hot sun, keeping your home cooler.
• Unplugging televisions, stereos, computers and other appliances when not in use helps protect the environment. The International Energy Agency estimates that the power consumed by these appliances in standby is responsible for one percent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions.
• Set your refrigerator at 40° F.
• Open windows on breezy days instead of turning the air conditioner on.
• Make sure your air conditioner is the proper size for the area you are cooling.
• Don’t cool rooms that aren’t occupied.

What other ways can you think of to save energy and money this summer? Leave us a comment and let us know.

How easy is it to Go Green in the office? Very easy. We all have behaviors at home and in the office that we can change. You can do so simply by making sure you use every single page in your notebook or recycling your toner cartridges when your finished. Below is a quick glance in a few other areas where you can Go Green in the Office!

• Staples 100% recycled printer paper
• Aluminum Cans (Start a recycling bin.)
• Computers (Don’t just trash them, recycle them!)
• Paper products in the kitchen (Use Mugs or plastic plates.)

There are at least a gazillion other ways we can all save money and the environment. Can you think of one?

With soaring fuel prices, hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles are a great way to take the pinch out of your pocket book. But there’s an even easier and healthier way, ride a bike!

Bicycling to work, the store, or just around town while you do your errands is not only a great way to save energy and money but it’s good for you too! If you’re interested in riding a bike to work now is the perfect time, May is National Bike month with National Bike to Work Week the 12th – 16th.

For more information on events being held in your community check out BikeToWorkWeek.org.

So do something healthy for yourself and the environment. Get out on 2 wheels!