Green Tips Checklist

Everyone can take part in Colorado's New Energy Economy. Here are a few things you can do to be a little (or a lot) more green:

Drive Smart, Save Gas

• Walk, bike, carpool, use public transportation, work from home 1 day a week
  
• Check your tire pressure for proper inflation
  
• Accelerate moderately rather than aggressively to save up to 30% of gas usage
  
• Always drive the posted speed limit to maximize efficiency (and safety!)
  
• Avoid excessive idling to save up to 19% of gas usage
  
• Use cruise control if possible
  
• Use alternative fuels if possible
  
• Map out your errands to avoid driving unnecessarily
  
  

Adjust the Thermostat When You’re Not Home

• Install a programmable thermostat to save about $150 on utility bills a year
  
• In the winter, turn it down to 68 degrees at night, and when you’re not home
  
• In the summer, keep it set to 78 degrees, or higher if you have ceiling fans
  
• Close the blinds during the day to keep the sun from heating your home
  
• Ventilate with cool air at night
  
• Visit this website’s section on home efficiency for more information
  
  

Unplug Electronics When You're Not Using Them

• 75% of electricity used by electronic devices is used when they are turned off
  
• Unplug things like cell phone chargers, hair dryers and iPod chargers when you’re not using them
  
• Install a power strip to conveniently control devices such as computers, TV’s and game consoles
  

Replace Your Light Bulbs

• ENERGY STAR qualified compact flourescent lighbulbs (CFLs) use about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer
  
• CFLs work in many different types of light fixtures, including dimmers
  
• Using CFLs will save you money in the long term: about $30 or more in electricity costs over the lifetime of each bulb
  
  

Make Eco-friendly Purchases

• Look for the ENERGY STAR label when purchasing products that use energy
  
• Buy local whenever possible
  
• Buy organic whenever possible
  
• Buy products that use the least amount of packaging; buy in bulk when possible

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

• Switch over to online banking and billing to save paper
  
• Carry a reuseable water bottle and/or coffee mug to avoid having to use disposables
• Call the number on the back of catalogs and credit card offers to stop delivery and cut down on junk mail
  
• Bring your own bags to the store
  
• Recycle
  
• Compost

Use Water Wisely

• Low flow showerheads and toilets can save hundreds of thousands of gallons or water per year
  
• Repair all leaks, in and outside of your home
  
• Don’t leave the water running as you brush teeth or wash dishes
  
• Water at night or early in the morning
  
• Use water-wise and native plants in your lanscape

Laundry and Appliances

• Purchase ENERGY STAR appliances
  
• Line dry clothes whenever possible
  
• Avoid holding the freezer or refrigerator door open unnecessarily

Avoid, Reduce, Offset

• Avoid emitting greenhouse gases whenever possible
  
• Reduce the amount you have to emit
  
• Offset whatever is necessary through programs like the Colorado Carbon Fund