• Getting a new computer or other electronics for school?  Make sure to purchase energy efficient models.
• Use reusable lunch bags for children to take their lunch in.  Pack healthy fruits and vegetables instead of prepackaged snacks and a reusable water bottle or thermos for them to take their drinks in instead of prepackaged drinks.
• Academic paper use generates mountains of waste.  Choose processed chlorine free (PCF) paper, avoiding releases of dioxin and mercury in the bleaching process, and the highest percentages of recycled post-consumer waste (PCW) available.
• Choosing refillable pens and pencils will not only save on waste, but will also save your wallet!
• Use rechargeable batteries for calculators instead of buying new ones every time they die.
• If clothes still fit, encourage children to wear the old pieces and just mix in a few new pieces instead of buying all new clothes.  If they no longer fit, donate them to charity where someone will be able to use them.
• Cover school books in paper instead of plastic.  Not only will it protect children’s books, it will be environmentally friendly and they can decorate it to fit their own personal style.
• As always, set a good example for your children by reducing, reusing, and recycling!  It will make a difference!
• Speak with school administrators about planting a tree or flowers on school grounds that children can watch grow all year.
• Get together with your neighbors and create a carpool.
• If your child’s school is nearby and your child is old enough, then encourage them to ride their bike.
• When parked and waiting for your child after school, turn your ignition off.

You make decisions every day in your homes that affect the environment.  Are you ready to make a difference?  Use your appliances with an energy-efficient mindset and you can immediately reduce the harm to our planet.  Here are some air conditioning tips:

Set your thermostat at a comfortable setting (76 degrees) when you are in your home and a little higher when you’re not going to be home.  Consistent climate control is better for the environment and more comfortable for you than allowing your home to get really over-heated and then over-working your A/C to bring the temperature down.

Keep doors and windows closed whenever you are using the A/C.

Keeping the sunlight out during the day will also help to cool your home during warmer weather and your A/C doesn’t have to work so hard to cool your home to a comfortable temperature.

Instead of A/C, use fans and windows to create a breeze in your home.

Keep vents free from obstruction.

Check HVAC air filters regularly.

When possible, keep activities and chores that produce heat and moisture limited to the cooler parts of the day or evening (i.e. dishwashing, laundry, cooking).

Using your microwave is a great cooking alternative.  Using your microwave instead of your oven or range creates less heat and humidity in your home.

Use fans (especially oscillating fans) with your A/C unit.  Fans circulate the cool air and relieves the A/C from having to work as hard to cool your home to a comfortable temperature.