Steps at Home to go Green

We’ve started our efforts to go green in my office by recycling.  One person asked if I have tips for going green at home, so I wanted to share with you what we’ve done at home so far and what we’re planning to do.

1. We’ve changed out all our lightbulbs for the 5-year, energy-efficient bulbs.  In fact, we started this exactly five years ago.  I know because I just changed one of the long-lasting bulbs last night and when I removed the old one, I discovered my husband had written the date he put it in:  June 11, 2003 2001.  That bulb lasted just short of five almost 7 years.  (I got the year wrong!!)
2. I’ve started saving my plastic bottles for recycling. 
3. As I recycle the water bottles, instead of dumping leftover water down the sink, I’m watering my plants with them.
4. Turn out all lights when room is empty.
5. Changed thermostat to 70 in winter and 72 in summer.  I know I should go to 68 in winter, but with an elderly mother-in-law at home who is always cold, I just can’t go lower than that for her sake.

Future Plans

1. Clean out garage and bring in at least three recycling bins:  plastics, paper, glass.
2. Save dryer lint for birds to use to build nests.

I know there will be much more to come… these are really baby-steps for us.  Wish us luck!