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?
Absolutely! Our recycle bin contains more than our sad, empty trash bin. ;-)
Do you compost your food and food related paper waste?
Yes! As much as possible in our back yard compost. Currently looking at composting more through our local waste hauler. Nerdy levels of excitement!
Lighting - Do you use compact fluorescent light bulbs, LEDs or Energy Star rated lights in at least 75% of your light fixtures?
I don't think we have a "regular" light bulb left in our house. . .
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?
Almost - We had it at 68 or lower until our little one was born. Now we only dip that low at night. Plan on going back next winter when she's bigger.
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)
Green Energy - Do you use alternate energy sources in the home such as, solar electricity, wind power and/or a geo-thermal temperature regulation?
We pay the extra on our electricity bill to support wind power, but I don't think we technically get wind power at this time.
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?
Replaced old washer/dryer and water heater with new energy efficient models that use less water (after their life span was up).
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?
Paper - Do you purchase and/or use post-consumer recycled paper products whenever possible?
On the rare occasions that we need to print something we print on recycled and/or the back side of scratch paper. Behold the power of the smart phone - so little needs to be printed!
Reusable Bags - Do you use reusable bags when shopping to avoid unnecessary plastic bag and paper bag production and waste?
Yes! Oh Yes! I love my reuseable bags. I use them for shopping and beyond. The only time I don't is to get a paper bag that will be reused for our recycle bin liner at home. :-)
Transportation - Do you use public transit, carpool, drive a hybrid and/or use non-motorized transportation?
Unfortunately - not at this time. The Twin Cities Metro public transportation going from suburb to suburb is very poor. My husband and I carpooled for 2+ years before the birth of our first child and daycare schedule limited that.
However, we try to avoid unnecessary trips and walk when we can.
Bottled Water - Do you avoid purchasing plastic bottled water?
Yes! Two fold benefit. Avoiding plastic bottles reduces use and reduces exposure to all the nasty chemicals. A little, but better than nothing.
Green Favorites - Do you purchase organic, natural, sustainable & renewable products (saying yes means that at least 20% of your consumables fall under these categories)?
Absolutely. I enjoy the look of natural products and decorations more than artificial anyway. Our biggest and most recent purchase - a cloth diaper "stash". Bonus - We love the all cute colors on our baby's tushy! We only use disposables as backups and long trips.
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.
Energy Audit - Have you had an energy audit within the past 24 months to help ensure maximum efficiency in energy usage throughout our home?
Planning on one for our home (other than ourselves looking for new ways to improve) in the fall of 2013.
Giving - Do you donate and/or volunteer to help society and/or the environment?
Yes ! Have volunteered multiple years for the annual "Living Green Expo" at the MN Fair Grounds, and donate to a couple of other green organizations. <3
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