“Going Green” can seem like a daunting task …

as it seems easier and easier in today’s world to be an environmental hazard… but here are a few tips that are easy and will get you started…

Green Tips from the Jacksonville Green Expo 

1. Eat fresh, buy local, support local growers

There is a growing demand for locally grown produce. Most of the local vegetables and fruits are always fresh and sometimes organically grown. Produce from out of state is usually delivered in trucks driven for hours and this in turn contributes to air pollution and carbon emission. We now have several  local farmers markets and community gardens in the areas of Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, Fernadina, St. Augustine areas, etc

2. Wash your clothes with cold water

An easy way to clean green is to turn the dial on your washing machine to cold. Most loads don’t need hot water, and 90% of the energy used by washing machines goes into heating.

3. Use a reusable bag for your everyday shopping
 

The latest green trend that is taking the grocery shopping frenzy is Re-usable bags. Forget adding to the 450 trillion plastic bags that are hardly decomposing on our beautiful soil.  Grab a reusable grocery bag instead and save the landfills. You can use the bag not just for groceries at your local supermarket or at the fresh market, but at the mall too!!!

4. Don’t dump, donate! 

The next time you upgrade something, can no longer stand the sight of something hideous, or simply need to downsize, think “donate” instead of “dump.”America has long been ridiculed around the world for being a throwaway society. On average, each one of us tosses out four and a half pounds of garbage every day, adding up to a whopping total of 245 million tons per year…

5. Use energy efficient bulbs

Buy energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs for your most-used lights in your home or apartment. Even though the traditional light bulbs revolutionized the world in the 1880′s, they waste a lot of energy making heat. Today, we can do better. We now have energy-saving fluorescent bulbs which use a fraction of the electricity and in summer, since they do not burn as hot as traditional bulbs, they help to lower your cooling bills.

6. Get a free energy audit

Ask your utility company to conduct an energy audit to find out where your home is poorly insulated or energy inefficient. The utility company energy techinician will come to your house for an inspection after which you will be offered cost-effective ideas designed to help lower your energy costs and to reduce wasted energy. While the technician is there, also ask for a free water management evaluation!!

7. Buy electronic equipments that are energy-efficient

As you replace home appliances, select the most energy efficient models. There’s no need of compromising on functionality to be more energy efficient. Many of the latest and most sophisticated consumer electronics carry the Energy Saving Star logo. This logo is a simple and quick way to find the most energy efficient products at your local electonics store You’ll find it on a wide range of products like kitchen appliances, washing machines, fridges, heating, lighting, televisions, etc.

8. Adjust your home’s A/c and water-heater thermostats

(a) Monitor the temperature in your home’s airconditioning system. Adjust your thermostat–lower in winter and higher in summer.

(b) Turn down your water heater thermostat; 120 degrees is usually sufficient. If it is possible, have it programmed to only heat the water an hour before you get into the shower, especially if you live by yourself.

9. Carpool to work

Car pooling, also known as lift-sharing or ride sharing, is a great way to save on transport costs and reduce your travel related environmental impact. Learn more about the advantages and how technology is changing the car pooling world. You don’t necessarily need to have a car to get involved! If yo do not want to carpool, please ride your bicycle or take a bus where possible.

10. Recycle all plastics, metal cans, glass and paper

Put all your plastics, glass  bottles and containers in separate recyle bins. Also do the same for used nespapers, magazines, etc. Don’t mix your regular trash like left over food, etc with the containers. Encourage your leasing office to have the Recycle pick up truck come by your house, condo or apartment at least once a week.