Sustainability
GREEN/SUSTAINABILITY TIPS OF THE MONTH
January 2022 Tip
It's winter so many of us are not thinking about watering our lawns, sprinklers or water usage for that matter. This month I would ask you to give some thought to the idea of saving water…
Why save/conserve water you might ask…
Water is a precious natural resource. We think that there is an endless supply and many of us do not give thought to how to conserve or use less water. Cutting back on water usage at home can save you money on your utility bill. Consider purchasing a water efficient dishwasher (and toilet bowl for that matter). The EPA estimates that a good energy and water efficient dishwasher uses 1/2 as much water each cycle. This could save 5,000 gallons of water per year. Just like many of us have taught our children to turn the faucet off while brushing teeth, try turning the faucet off while you scrub your pots and pans and then turn it back on for rinsing them. Conserving water helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which are associated with the treatment and distribution of water.
October 2021 Tip
Its excellent to recycle plastic water bottles and pass on using disposable straws.These small changes are important and worthwhile.
This months sustainability tip is on a larger scale…Its insulation for your home. Insulating your home/attic is one of the single most effective ways to cut energy wast and costs. It pays for itself over time and keeps your home both cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Maybe you aren’t even sure if your home is well insulated. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive task and can save you money and reduce energy use and energy waste.
April 2021 Tip
April is a great time to think about the planet. There are countless ways to go a little greener. In Somers we are lucky enough that there is a Litter Tasks Force run entirely by volunteers. While they have just held their Spring town wide litter clean up weekend, (perhaps you’ve seen the telltale orange garbage bags waiting to be picked up) its not too late to do your part. More orange litter bags can be distributed to any family or individual who wants to get outside and do their part. It only takes one hour of your time to make a big difference.
Studies show that individuals are more likely to litter in an area that is already littered and conversely, less likely to do so if there is no litter around.
Litter along the roads and in wooded areas, neighborhoods etc can get blown and or washed into rivers, streams etc.
If you are interested in helping to clean up the unsightly litter in your area of town and need bags please reach out to: Christine Zimbelmann at tinezdt@aol.com.
February 2021 Tip
Set your home printer to print on double sided mode. This simple adjustment can save an enormous amount of paper. Teach and remind all family members to do this as well.
January 2021 Tip
Happy New Year.
We are all spending more time at home these days. Days are short and we are all turning the lights on in our homes at 4 PM!!!
Heres a tip: If you haven’t already done so consider switching to LED light bulbs. They last longer than conventional light bulbs and are more efficient too. This means you will be using less power and replacing the bulbs less often. They are available in a range of brightnesses and designs.
November 2020 Tip
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate family and friends. It is also a wonderful time to celebrate and appreciate the environment and all it provides for us. Consider this notion as you prepare for your Thanksgiving holiday. Try to feast on local, seasonal foods. Fruits and vegetables in season now do not need to be trucked around the country. Some domestically grown produce travels an average of 1,500 miles before it is sold. Buying locally can help reduce the pollution and energy use associated with transporting, storing and refrigerating food. Local foods often taste better and can be more nutritious since they haven’t been sitting around in a warehouse. Why not serve a feast of local produce, fruits, meats and baked goods etc this Thanksgiving. For a list of local farmers markets go to www.ams.usda.gov. or patronize one of the many farms/farm stands in our Somers Central School District area.
Happy Thanksgiving!