Green Maus

1. Be Water Wise
Reduce your lawn area by decreasing the amount of grass you have and increasing the amount of planted flowers. “Flowers need less hydration than grass. Putting in gravel or pathways also will do the trick” said Sid Davis, author of Your Eco-Friendly Home.

Other ways to save on water:

+ Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving
+ Take shorter showers
+ Get a good aerator for your faucet

2. Power Down as a Family and Go Out
Designate 30 minutes a day to turn off all lights, unplug all appliances and go outside as a family for a walk or bike ride. This also encourages family time together without modern day technology getting in the way.

3. Shop From Home
Shopping online is a great way to compare prices and save on gas. Researchers estimate that comparison-shopping online instead of driving from store to store could result in up to 35% less energy consumption and carbon-dioxide emissions.

4. Be a Good Driver
So doing the speed limit is not only the law but it’s also more energy efficient. Typically gas mileage decreases rapidly above 60 mph, meaning the faster you drive, the more fuel you use to get wherever you are going. Plus you’ll save in speeding tickets.

5. Watch your Spin Cycle
Using a cotton waffle weave towel will cut down on the time it takes in the dryer. “Fluffy towels take much longer in the dryer, which is one of the most expensive uses of energy. Plus waffle towels naturally exfoliate your skin when you dry off with them.” Said Barbara Flanagan, author of Flanagan’s Smart Home.