Seven Ways to Go Green Every Day
At Green Light Window Films we believe in our products and services because we believe in living a sustainable lifestyle. Our products emphasize energy conservation, home protection and automotive safety. But the “green” approach to living doesn’t stop there. There are many ways to conserve energy and promote sustainability with just our own behaviors and attitudes.
Love your Sweaters and T-shirts!
Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs. Window film can help with this as it eliminates heat and cooling loss. You can also install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out. Wash your clothes in cold water, 85% of the energy used to wash clothes goes to heating the water. Your clothes won’t mind the chill.
Showering With the Oldies!
Install a low-flow shower-head, they’re inexpensive and your savings will quickly pay for it. Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills as well. So tune that shower radio to the oldies station, the songs are notably short, so after one Buddy Holly and a Simon and Garfunkel you’re done! Avoid “Stairway to Heaven” or you may be late for work!
Love-handles to Handle-bars!
Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity. More and more cities are adding bike lanes so dust off that Schwinn. Or take the bus; it’s a great way to get caught up on work, read that vampire novel or get to know people you might not meet otherwise.
Where’s the Beef?
Eat smart, eat healthy. Go meatless once a week. Meat production is expensive from feed costs to land use to transportation so substitute a hearty veggie soup or salad. It’s also better for your health to reduce animal fats consumption. Buy local whenever possible to support your local economy and reduce the carbon emissions from transporting groceries from afar.
Beg, Borrow and Steal. Or At Least Ask First.
Borrow from libraries instead of buying books or movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books. If you really like that new Stephen King then buy it but reading it first eliminates that buyer’s regret. This is also a great reason to get to know your neighbors and be nice to your friends. Sharing tools, appliances and know-how keeps you from a purchase you may only use once (which is why there’s an electric sander still in the box in your basement) or from a hazardous home repair because you “thought” you could do it.
Relax, the New iPhone Will Be New Again.
Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible. Sure it’s fun to have the latest gadget but seriously, do you even use half the fancy features on the one you have now? When they finally bite the dust be sure and donate or recycle them responsibly. E-waste contains mercury and other toxics and is a growing environmental problem. Many major stores offer electronic recycling programs either ongoing or several times a year. Cell phones can often be refurbished and many carriers donate them to low-income families or organizations.
It Doesn’t Have To Be Blue to Clean your Windows.
Remember soap? It actually cleans just fine. Or make your own cleaning solutions with baking soda, vinegar or even lemons. They’re safe, non-toxic and when you’re done you can use on a salad. Ok, not really. But you’ll also be green when you don’t use brand packaging, plastic bottles or even the gas used to bring them home. And if you run low, just mix up another batch!
Sustainability can start simply. By just changing a few behaviors we can reduce our environmental impact and contribute to keeping our little earth around a little bit longer. Green Light Window Film is committed not only to great products and customer service but to environmental conservation and better energy use. Call us today to learn more!
