At Home

Even small changes — like how frequently you mow your grass — can have a positive impact on our air.

Choose energy efficient appliances. Turn off appliances when not in use. When shopping for new appliances, look for the Energy Star rating.
Properly insulate your home. See www.eere.energy.gov/consumerinfo.
Replace an inefficient furnace or air conditioner with an energy-efficient heat pump.
Try 78 degrees and ceiling fans in the summer.
Replace filters monthly to increase efficiency.
Close the fireplace damper when not in use.
Turn off electrical equipment when not in use.
Use compact fluorescent light bulbs in high use areas.
Maintain live potted plants in your home or office. Take a look at Dr. B. C. Wolverton’s book, How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 House Plants that Purify Your Home or Office [Penguin, 1997]
Consider commuting costs & convenience when choosing where to live. For commuting tips and resources, visit our On the Road page.

Plant trees, shrubs and grasses around your house. The added shade will help lower air conditioning bills and the plants will help absorb CO2.
www.coloradotrees.org/benefits.htm
Don’t burn garbage or building materials outdoors. Burning leaves and brush can be illegal and it produces pollution. Check out www.ncair.org/enf/openburn
Avoid using gas-powered garden equipment such as gas-powered lawn mowers, edgers and leaf blowers. If you must use gas-powered equipment, do so before 10 am or after 7 pm to avoid peak ozone formation hours, especially on Ozone Action Days (Code Orange or higher).
Consider using electric or cordless lawn mowers.

Reduce mowing by landscaping with natural areas.
Avoid using chemicals that contain volatile organic compounds(VOC’s) such as spray paint, paint thinners, pesticides, glue solvents, weed killers, etc.
Avoid using charcoal lighter fluid when barbecuing.

Calculate your use at these two web sites:

Healthy Built Homes
See what cutting edge local builders are doing to make home environmentally friendly and save on energy costs too.

Southface
This web site offers tips for an energy conscious way of life.