Conserving Light Energy
- Replace inefficient bulbs with CFL’s (compact fluorescent bulbs). They use 75% less energy and last many times longer. Check at stores for bulbs that are part of the Consumers Energy Rebate Program.
- Go to bed earlier and rise earlier to take advantage of natural sunlight.
- Clean or repaint walls to reflect more light in each room.
- Install a skylight/solar tube to let in more natural light into a room. They come in various styles, sizes and prices.
- Last, but not least, get in the habit of turning lights off as soon as you leave a room.
- Wrap (or check) insulation blanket around water heater. Place insulation on intake and outtake water lines from water heater.
- Check and insulate gaps around windows, doors, air conditioners, and any pipe or wire that enters the house from outside.
- Lower thermostat temp when going to bed or for long periods of time when the house is empty. A programmable thermostat can be set to adjust the temp so you don’t have to.
- Open curtains/ blinds during sunlight hours to let in heat and keep them closed at night to help insulate against the cold. Investing in thermal lined curtains will eventually pay off.
- A great ‘green’ health tip for the winter is to just keep moving. Instead of turning up the heat the next time you feel chilled try some aerobic movement. It could be as little as walking around the house, maybe going up and down some stairs, to setting up a workout routine that you repeat throughout the day just to get the blood moving a little faster. It’s great for the heart, muscles and your heating bill.
- Use less lights on your tree and house by using spotlights to light up decorated trees, lawn ornaments and such. Use a timer on lights. CFL spotlights are available.
- Gift wrap alternatives: reusable gift bags, newspapers, old maps, reusable tins, or use actual gifts such as scarves, handkerchiefs or cloth shopping bags.
- Bring back tree-decorating ideas of the past: popcorn garland and cookie ornaments that can be fed to the birds after the holiday.
- Green party ideas: use email “e-vites” in lieu of paper invitations, cloth napkins instead of paper, borrow/rent dishes and silverware instead of paper.
- Natural decoration alternatives: evergreen boughs and pinecones for wreaths, garland and centerpieces.
