(Almost) Free Ways to Save Energy

1. As incandescent lights burn out, replace them with CFLs (compact fluorescent lights) that will last ten times longer.
2. When you leave a room, turn off the lights.
3. Avoid light pollution. Use only as much light as you need both inside and outside.
4. Unplug appliances and other electronics that continue to use power even after you turn them off. Anything with a LED (light emitting diode) that shines even after you turn off the device is a phantom power user. Your TV, cell phone charger, and printer are likely culprits. Plug them into a power strip and turn off the strip.
5. When you replace electronics, look for a charity that can use the old ones. Check mygreenelectronics.org to locate a recycling source. Take advantage of Catawba County's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days for unusable ones.
6. Calculate your personal greenhouse gas emissions by using this calculator: www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.html. Find out what you can do to improve your score.
7. Shop locally for food. Go to catawba.ces.ncsu.edu and click on Foothills Fresh to find out about local food sources.
8. Be mindful of water use. Fix a leaky toilet and save up to 200 gallons of water a day. Repair a leaking faucet and save up to 74 gallons of water a day.
9. Let your grass grow. Tall fescue thrives when it is cut to a height of 3 inches. Visit tarheelgardening.com to find other simple steps for a beautiful landscape using water efficient, environmentally friendly techniques.
10. Return wire hangers to your dry cleaner or laundry.
11. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth.
12. Turn off the TV unless you are sitting down and watching.
13. Operate your dishwasher and clothes washer only when fully loaded.
14. Check the air pressure in your car's tires.
15. Return plastic grocery bags to the store. Usually the collection site is just inside the front door.

Whether big or small, every change you make, makes a difference. Which tips will you use? See the poll below.