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?
We have three bins at home: Trash, mixed recyclables, and HAZ MAT items which include batteries, light bulbs, e-waste, paint, nail polish, etc.
Cell phones and bottles and cans go to my school for recycling drives.
Do you compost your food and food related paper waste?
At my parents' house we compost food items into the green bins.
Lighting - Do you use compact fluorescent light bulbs, LEDs or Energy Star rated lights in at least 75% of your light fixtures?
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?
We do not have AC. In the winter months, we rarely put on our radiant heating; but when we do, we use it sparingly and on lower settings.
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?
Solar energy panels have been tried at our home.
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?
Given that this is an apartment, we are limited in our options. However, as things change, we see our landlords updating different elements.
I do know that our water heater is very conservative - it was installed right before I moved in.
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?
This also prevents the potential for fraud: I call the number on my credit card solicitations to unsubscribe.
Paper - Do you purchase and/or use post-consumer recycled paper products whenever possible?
Yes. Other things we do include:
- we shop at locations such as Costco in order to buy in bulk.
- we only use washable bowls, cups and plates & utensils. We save the paper/plastic for big parties. For smaller events we just use the washable stuff. :)
Reusable Bags - Do you use reusable bags when shopping to avoid unnecessary plastic bag and paper bag production and waste?
We always did, but it is now a law. Yaay!
Transportation - Do you use public transit, carpool, drive a hybrid and/or use non-motorized transportation?
Carpool in our hybrid Prius.
On occasion, we have taken the metro and city bus.
I intend to ride my bike more. . .
Bottled Water - Do you avoid purchasing plastic bottled water?
Green Favorites - Do you purchase organic, natural, sustainable & renewable products (saying yes means that at least 20% of your consumables fall under these categories)?
Whenever possible! People laugh at me because it costs more.
But in time, it won't. I am glad to do my part!
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.
Eco-business: yes, whenever possible!
Fair-trade - whenever possible!
We have been encouraged by our niece to "buy local," a phrase you don't hear too much where we live. However, we have started to say this as a reminder that it is an important element in sustainability!
Energy Audit - Have you had an energy audit within the past 24 months to help ensure maximum efficiency in energy usage throughout our home?
Yes.
- Fans are only there to "move air." We now shut them off.
- we turn off lights when we leave the room
- we have power strips on most of our outlets.
- we have shut off the cable in order to watch less t.v. and go out walking and stuff like that more often!
Giving - Do you donate and/or volunteer to help society and/or the environment?
I run the Go Green Club at my school where I teach science and try my best to model environmentalism.
When we go on our daily walk, we pick up litter that is in our path. "If we can step over or around it, then we can pick it up!"
Also, my friend gifted me a reusable coffee "sleeve." I have used it for the 9 years I have lived in Long Beach and now our baristas near and far, and my peers and students, all recognize it. They ask me about it which fosters a conversation on sustainability.
IN my husband's company he has done his best to use recycled products, and is eco-minded about his sports. <3
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