Go Green! Ideas that are Earth Friendly

Idea for Summer
Find a variety of ways to stay cool!  Are you "conditioned" to controlling your comfort by turning the dial on your home thermostat?  Before you start nudging it lower this summer, try other methods to "cool down."  We have found that placing a cool washcloth on our face and neck for a few minutes does wonders.  Fans help your body cool down by increasing evaporation and they cost far less to operate than running an air conditioner.  Avoid running the oven, eat cold sandwiches and salads that increase your sense of keeping cool. 

Idea for the heating season.
Did you know that every pound of gas you burn produces three pounds of carbon dioxide?  We have decided that reducing our use of fossil fuels is one of the fastest ways for us to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide we put in the atmosphere.  We know that every degree we lower the thermostat saves us money and reduces greenhouse gas emission.  Since January is one of the coldest months of the year for us,  we have been experimenting with our sweaters and thermostat (on days without guests).  We've found that we are comfortable with our thermostat set between 56 and 60 degrees F!  Perhaps you, too, can become acclimated to a cooler home.  Lower the thermostat 2 degrees per week, and discover for yourself the limits of your comfort.  Financial cost: 0$  Savings to the earth: Significant, but will vary depending on the size of your home and level of insulation.  Experiment for yourself and find out, "How low can you go?"       Send your "green" ideas to us for use in this space at a later date.

Do you drive every day?
Many of us do and we all know we should plan shopping trips and reduce the miles we drive.  But one simple change is to commit to driving at the speed limit or below.  Sure, you probably won't be pulled over if you're driving a few miles per hour over the posted speed limit.  But you will get better fuel economy if you drive slower and avoid sudden stops and rapid acceleration as much as possible.