10 Tips For Living Green

1. Replace light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs. CF bulbs produce much less heat and use about 1/4 the energy of normal incandescent light bulbs and can last up to 10 times as long as standard bulbs. Source: www.lowimpactliving.com

2. Lower energy bills with programmable thermostat. Save energy while you're away or sleeping. When used properly you'll see a savings of about $150/year. Source: www.energystar.gov

3. Install flooring made of renewable materials such as bamboo.

4. Use extra insulation in your home. If you can see the tops of your ceiling joists then you probably need more insulation.

5. Use double-paned windows when building or remodeling. The air between the glass provides additional insulation.

6. Select recycled material roof shingles and tiles.

7. Invest in a good barbeque grill. Grills use less energy than stoves and don't heat up the house, lowering air conditioning bills.

8. Upgrade your toilet to a high-efficiency or a dual-flush model that uses less water. Look for high-efficiency models that use less than 1.3 gallons per flush (gpf). Older pre-1992 models use from 3.5 gpf to 5.00 gpf. Source: www.epa.gov

9. Buy energy-efficient appliances. Use the Energy Star program to find energy efficient products for your home.

10. Use safer paints and sealants -- non-toxic with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Courtesy: Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford