This week, Property Management 2.0 would like to welcome Guest Blogger Rhoda Hu – First Light’s very own Director of Business Development and resident “Green Expert”!
A Few Simple Ways to Go Green at Your Home or Apartment
For every plastic bag that we refuse to use, for every aluminum can that toss in the recycle bin and for every carpool that we decide to take part in, we are creating change for the present & future generations.
A “Green World” doesn’t happen overnight. Even just a small change in your daily habits will make a tremendous difference in the long run. Take a little time to study your home, apartment or condo and you will start to realize that “Going Green” and practicing the 3 R’s (Reduce, Reuse & Recycle) is really quite simple.
With each Green blog post, we will be sharing with you simple steps that you can do to encourage and create positive change. We’re in this together so let’s begin with our home!
5 Ways to Increase Green Efficiency in Your Home:
- Make sure that any equipment that is not being used is turned off. Some electronic equipment and appliances still use electricity when turned off such as your television, computer, toaster, microwave, etc. So to increase efficiency even more, turn off and unplug electrical appliances that you are not using.
- Replace your incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient CFL (compact fluorescent light bulbs) which use much less energy and lasts 10 times longer per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Always make sure to dispose of all your light bulbs properly. Contact your local recycling facility and they’ll be able to direct you.
- Minimize your use of plastic bags. When going to the grocery store, bring your own “reusable” shopping bags. Keep a few in your car. To encourage consumers to utilize “reusable” bags, cities are charging for plastic bags if you should forget to bring your own.
- Turn down your thermostat. Per the U.S. Dept of Energy, by adjusting your thermostat, you can save an estimated 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills by simply turning your thermostat back 10°–15° for eight hours. In the winter, simply set the thermostat to 68°F while you’re awake and setting it lower while you’re asleep or away from home. In the summer, you can follow the same strategy with central air conditioning, too, by keeping your house warmer than normal when you are away, and lowering the thermostat setting to 78°F (26°C) only when you are at home and need cooling.
- Make sure to look for the “Energy Star” logo the next time you’re shopping for new appliances. The “Energy Star” program is operated by the U.S. Dept of Energy and the EPA. Products with the “Energy Star” logo are significantly more energy-efficient than the average appliances on the market.
Have an efficient day! -Rhoda