Earth Day: Going Green At Home

In the final part of our Earth Day series, Patch presents tips for going green at home -- and we don't mean a paint job!

• When doing laundry, whenever possible, wash clothes on the cold water cycle.  Up to 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water. That's quite an energy savings! Also, in the warmer months, think about air drying your clothes outside on a clothesline. If it was good enough for our ancestors, it's good enough for us!
• Save energy and money by lowering your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter. You can always throw on a sweatshirt to stay warmer. In the summer, raise it a few degrees higher. Keeping the curtains or blinds closed during peak sun hours will keep your house cooler.
• When not in use, unplug appliances and electronics like radios, toaster ovens, chargers and coffee makers.  Or, check out these cool "smart power strips". When you turn your tv or computer off, the power strip  automatically cuts power to peripheral devices like printers, monitors and DVD players. It's so smart, it will turn everything back on when you turn the TV or computer back on.
• Make your own "green" cleaning products . Using simple household items like vinegar, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, you can make your own glass cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner and even bathroom mold cleaner.
• Watch your water. Take shorter showers and invest in a low-flow showerhead. Outdoors, plant more drought-tolerant flowers and shrubs that can last longer in-between waterings.  Also, check your hot water heater. It should be set at 120 degrees. Keeping it at this temperature can save you between 6 to 10 percent in energy bills. Finally, turn the water off when brushing your teeth. This simple gesture can save up to eight gallons of water a day.  

Want more earth-friendly tips? Check out these features: