Recycles - Do you recycle paper, plastic, glass, cardboard, tin and aluminum ... and do you bring materials such as compact fluorescent lighting, electronics, batteries, cell phones, paint and household hazardous waste to authorized hazardous waste facilities?
yes, we even compost and capture rain water
Do you compost your food and food related paper waste?
Yes, we compost our food waste
Lighting - Do you use compact fluorescent light bulbs, LEDs or Energy Star rated lights in at least 75% of your light fixtures?
CFLs and lots of natural lighting.
Thermostat - Do you use a programmable thermostat and maintain energy efficient temperatures of 68F degrees maximum in the winter & 80F degrees minimum in the summer?
The temperatures are pretty mild here so we don't need to use the air conditioning very often. In our house in Steamboat last year we saw what the heating bill after one month and decided to use the wood-burning stove more and to bundle up with clothes. We are doing better than the Energy Star recommendations.
Hibernate Computers - Do you set your computer monitor(s) to hibernate after 5 minutes and your hard drives to shut down after 30 minutes without use? (National authority on this recommendation: U.S. Energy Star)
I need to be better at this. I will check out the settings on my computer and make the change.
Green Energy - Do you use alternate energy sources in the home such as, solar electricity, wind power and/or a geo-thermal temperature regulation?
I don't own my home right now so this is not an option
Conserves Water - Have you installed aerator faucets and do you maintain plumbing fixtures to prevent leaks, drips and running water in toilets throughout the home?
We don't have any leaking or dripping faucets. I think the fixtures are pretty new in the house so they are probably low flow.
Unwanted Mail - Do you remove your name from junk mail lists, cancel all unnecessary catalogs, eliminate the delivery of unused phone books and continue to ensure your name stays off the junk mail lists?
Yes, I've gotten rid of white pages and yellow pages deliveries and catalogs. I read my news online.
Paper - Do you purchase and/or use post-consumer recycled paper products whenever possible?
I don't by paper unless it is recycled paper. All of my gift and birthday cards that I buy are from recycled content. I don't take plastic bags from stores, I bring my own.
Reusable Bags - Do you use reusable bags when shopping to avoid unnecessary plastic bag and paper bag production and waste?
I have banned plastic bags in my life and am only using my reusable cloth bag for shopping. It's frustrating to see that many stores instantly grab a plastic bag to put my purchases in. I try to buy at stores that give me credit for bringing in my own reusable bag ... they get it.
Transportation - Do you use public transit, carpool, drive a hybrid and/or use non-motorized transportation?
I currently either ride-share or bike to where I need to go ... the benefits of living in a small community.
Bottled Water - Do you avoid purchasing plastic bottled water?
I only use my refillable aluminum bottle.
Green Favorites - Do you purchase organic, natural, sustainable & renewable products (saying yes means that at least 20% of your consumables fall under these categories)?
I'm a big fan of buying at locally owned stores but I buy bulk products (like paper supplies) at stores like Walmart and Costco and have found they are getting better about selling a variety of organic products. I buy as much as I can that is locally grown and organic at the local stores. My hair products are Aveda because of their commitment to natural and organic manufacturing.
Inspires Others - Whenever possible, do you look to support environmentally responsible businesses? If you don't know if the companies and businesses that you are supporting are 'greening' their operations, consider asking them to create an Eco-Profile so that you and other consumers can see what they do environmentally.
I will be sending requests to the Fortune 100 companies when that feature is available on this website. And yes, I ask the local businesses that I go to to create eco-profiles.
Energy Audit - Have you had an energy audit within the past 24 months to help ensure maximum efficiency in energy usage throughout our home?
Giving - Do you donate and/or volunteer to help society and/or the environment?
I have been working at Yellowstone National Park this summer and perform park cleanups on my days off.
Share this Eco-Profile® on your social sites
Embed this Eco-Profile® on your website or blog
Copy the html snippet below and insert it into your website or blog to embed the button above on your website