Way 8 : Unplug Appliances

Way 8!

Unplug appliances that you don't use frequently. Most electronics have a standby mode that siphons energy even when not in use, or at the very least have small lights that need electricity to power them. Cell phone chargers, laptops, televisions, stereos — there's a whole list of items that can easily be unplugged when not in use. Try using a power strip for groups of electronic items. One flick of the switch and it's all off.



This is it for the year. Please check back in the late winter/early spring for a continuation of Growing Out of the Box!

Thank you everyone for reading my posts this year, and I look forward to writing more once the holidays have wound down. I need to celebrate graduation after all :)

Way 7 : Water Heater Settings

Way 7!

Most water heaters have a "vacation" setting for when you are away from home for an extended period of time. Switching to that "away" mode still keeps the water warm, but will not use the energy it takes to keep a tank full of piping-hot water. Enjoy your vacation even more, knowing that you're saving money and reducing energy used in the home while you are away.

Way 6 : Wait Before Purchasing

Way 6!

Most everyone have been gripped by the urge to spend, which leads to buying things you wouldn't normally buy. So try window shopping or browsing first. This helps ensure you are only buying things you really need, or really want, and you're not just impulse buying. Everything has a footprint and waiting to buy that heavily packaged or need to ship item can overall make an impact.

Way 5 : Landscaping

Way 5!

Everyone lives in different areas on the world, some have dry climates and others much more moist. Generally people live where they prefer the climate - and plants aren't any different!

• Use native plant species to landscape around your home or business. (Often they grow better anyways, use to the amount of sun or water your region has)
• Plants may also get shipped a shorter distance to get to your local nursery.
• Use your own crafted fertilizer or compost from in-home food scraps. It helps return nutrient to the ground.
• Green plants offset carbon!

Way: 4 Energy Proof Your Home

Way 4!

I'm not talking about anything major.

• Make sure all of your windows close properly 
• Your attic and total home is properly insulated. 
• Keep your heating and cooling systems properly maintained, and switch to reusable filters when possible. 
• Try switching from incandescent to compact florescent light bulbs.

Way 3 : Bottled Water

Advice 3!

Move past bottled water.

Bottled water has a huge carbon footprint.

• Buying and using a reusable water bottle for your water.
• A lot of restaurants have made the move from offering fancy bottled water, usually imported from an exotic source, to using in-house filtration systems that make tap water a good choice.
• Many plastic water bottles are recycled, but most are not, making the footprint even bigger.
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCPOHNNom5M&feature=youtu.be&t=21m30s Check out the last 10 minutes or so - shows how the taste of 'bottled water' is really all in your head.

Way 2 : Pay Attention to Packaging

Number 2!

Pay Attention to Packaging

When out shopping, try to go to stores or co-ops that keep packaging to a minimum.

• Purchase items in bulk.
• If bulk purchases are too big of a food/item order, share with a friend or family member. You split the cost this way too!
• Bring your own reusable bag to the store.
• Make purchases based on packaging (Plastic container of berries vs. compressed paper mold container)