16 WAYS TO GREEN YOUR HOME

1. Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can be a huge
energy saver. Replace some (or all) of your incandes-
cent bulbs with fl uorescents and enjoy reductions in
heat production, energy use, and electric bills!
Savings: Changing fi ve of the most frequently used
light bulbs in your home can save you $100 per year
on electric bills!

2. Program Your Thermostat
When you are at home, keep the thermostat at 78˚F or
higher in the summer and 62˚F or lower in the winter.
Programmable thermostats allow you to program the
systems to reduce output when they are not needed
(e.g., when no one is home during the day, or in the
evening when everyone is sleeping).
Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $100 per year or
more!

3. Plug Air Leaks
This simple step can go a long way toward keep-
ing your home at the temperature you desire, saving
money on heating and air conditioning bills and more.
Common leaks occur around windows, doors, and
other wall penetrations. Plugging those leaks with
weather stripping and caulk can be a simple task for
anyone!Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $100 per year or
more!

4. Tune Up Your Heating and Cooling (HVAC) System
Have a checkup for your HVAC system every 2 years
to make sure it is running effi ciently. Be sure to clean
the fi lter monthly during times of peak usage; a dirty
fi lter can signifi cantly reduce the effi ciency of your
HVAC.
Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $100 per year or
more!

5. Choose ENERGY STAR® Appliances
ENERGY STAR® qualifi ed products meet a high level
of energy effi ciency, which can translate into savings
on electric bills. When considering the price of a new
appliance, take into account not only the purchase
price, but also the long-term savings associated with
an energy-efficient appliance.

If your budget simply does not allow for the
purchasing of new appliances, then you still have an option.
Hardware and appliance repair shops should have a decent
selection of energy efficient parts that can be installed in your
original appliance. On the plus side, most of these parts are
easy to install and only require a few good tools to get the job done.

Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $50 per appli-
ance per year or more!

6. Reduce Water Use
• Indoor: Use less water by adding aerators (avail-
able for a few dollars at your local home supply
store) to your sink faucets and changing to low-
flow showerheads.
• Outdoor: Incorporate native plants in your land-
scape plan and minimize high-maintenance
landscaping such as turf grass to conserve water,
while still maintaining a beautiful lawn.Savings:
Reduce your water bill by as much as $100 per
year!

7. Switch to Green Power
Green Power is an optional utility service for custom-
ers who want to help expand the production and
distribution of renewable energy technologies. With
green power, you do not have to change your elec-
tricity provider. Instead, customers choose to pay a
premium on their electricity bill to cover the extra cost
of purchasing clean, sustainable energy. More info on
green power can be found at: http://www.eere.energy.
gov/greenpower/markets/index.shtml.

8. Buy Local
Buying local produce reduces the amount of fossil
fuels required for the transportation of products from
other parts of the country or the world. It also reduces
the amount of plastic and paper products consumed
in the packaging of such far-traveling products. Buy-
ing local reduces consumption of valuable natural
resources.

9. Use Low-VOC Products
Improve your indoor air quality by switching to prod-
ucts that don’t give off “volatile organic compounds”
(VOCs). Some common low-VOC or no-VOC prod-
ucts include:
• Paint: A low-VOC paint is available from most
major paint brands
• Cleaning products: Low-VOC cleaning alterna-
tives are available for sale, or you can make your
LOWER THE IMPACTS OF EVERYDAY LIVING
own VOC-free cleaning products using simple
household materials like baking soda, vinegar
and borax.

10. Use Wood Alternatives or FSC-certifi ed Wood Products
The type of fl ooring and cabinetry materials you use
can have a positive effect on your health and pocket-
book while reducing your environmental impacts.
• Consider using environmentally preferable and
rapidly renewable products such as linoleum,
bamboo, recycled-content tile or non-VOC carpet.
• Choose wood products from sustainably man-
aged forests, such as those certifi ed by the Forest
Stewardship Council (FSC).
• Use locally sourced products when possible to
reduce carbon emissions associated with the
transportation of those products.

11. Use Rapidly Renewable Flooring Materials
Now there are affordable, durable, and rich-looking
fl ooring options made from grasses and trees that ma-
ture in roughly half of the time (or less!) than it takes
hardwoods to reach market size. Bamboo, cork, and
eucalyptus fl ooring products are a sustainable alterna-
tive to traditional hardwoods.

12. Plant Trees to Provide Shade and Wind Protection for Your House
This simple step can help you save money on heat-
ing and air conditioning bills while providing beautiful
views around your home.

13. Use Native Plantings
Native plants have been growing and evolving in your
area for thousands of years and, as a result, have
adapted to the local soils and climate. As a result they
are more likely to thrive with minimal care, unlike exot-
ic plants. That can mean less need for water, fertilizer
and pesticides. Additional info on green landscaping
techniques can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/re-
g3esd1/garden/.

14. Use Nontoxic Gardening Techniques
Many gardeners over-apply or improperly apply
pesticides, putting themselves, their families, and pets
at increased health risk. Nearly half of all households
have pesticides stored within reach of children. About
230,000 people each year are treated in hospital
emergency rooms for injuries relating to various lawn
and garden tools. Our clean air and drinking water are
affected by pesticides and garden equipment emis-
sions.

15. Carpool, Use Public Transportation, Walk or Bike When Possible
Environmental responsibility does not begin and end
at your doorstep; green transportation means can
greatly reduce your energy expenditures and carbon
emissions from your daily routine.

16. Buy a High-effi ciency Car
See the U.S. Department of Energy’s list of most fuel
effi cient cars at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/best-
worst.shtml.

About the U.S. Green Building Council and LEED® for Homes
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is the nation’s foremost coalition of leaders from
every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally
responsible, profi table and healthy places to live and work. With the help of a cadre of
national experts and experienced green homebuilders, USGBC has developed LEED for
Homes as a voluntary initiative to promote the transformation of the mainstream home build-
ing industry towards more sustainable practices. It provides a much-needed nationally ap-
plicable tool for homebuilders and other professionals in the residential industry for building
environmentally sound, healthy, and resource-effi cient places to live. For more information
about LEED for Homes, visit the USGBC Web site at www.usgbc.org./leed/homes.
1800 Massachusetts Ave. NW
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www.usgbc.org