Reduce Your Impact … At the Home

Change One Traditional Light Bulb in Your House to a Compact Fluorescent

Energy Star Certified CFLs can save 75% energy use and pay for themselves in less than six months.
FACT: If every U.S. household changed just one traditional bulb to a CFL, the energy savings would be enough to light 3 million homes, the equivalent of the emissions from 800,000 cars.

In the winter, wear an extra layer and turn down your thermostat by a couple of degrees. Start with 68 degrees during the day and 60 degrees at night.
In the summer, turn your thermostat up to 78 degrees.
FACT: By setting your thermostat back when you are not at home or while sleeping, you could save 10% on your heating & cooling costs. Visit www1.eere.energy.gov.

Trees absorb carbon dioxide, limiting your carbon footprint on the world.
FACT: The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day. Visit www.arborday.org.

Use a water filter and reusable bottle instead of buying bottled water.
Bring a reusable tote to the grocery and hardware stores instead of accepting the store's paper or plastic bags.
Recycle More – There are tons of resources in Pittsburgh to recycle more than just glass, plastic and aluminum.

Used Art Supplies: Creative Reuse Pittsburgh (www.creativereusepgh.blogspot.com)

Building Material: Construction Junction (www.constructionjunction.org)

Various Electronics: Best Buy (www.bestbuy.com/recycling)

Cell Phones: Verizon Wireless (www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline)

E-Waste, Ink & Toner, Cartridges: Office Depot (www.officedepot.com)

Equipment like TVs, computers and DVD players are still using electricity, even when they are not on. Plug items into an appropriate surge protector and turn off when not in use.
Unplug cell phone chargers when they are not being used to charge your phone.
When purchasing new appliances or equipment, look for the Energy Star label.
FACT: Energy Star items can lower your energy by 30% and your electric lighting charges by 40% while cutting pollution.

Composting allows you to convert the waste into an enriching soil additive.
FACT: Yard trimmings and food waste account for 1/6 of what the average household throws away. Visit www.prc.org for more information.

By reducing runoff water which can contain pollutants like oil, grease and sediment, rain barrels are a great way to reduce water pollution.
FACT: Installing a rain barrel in your garden can help lower water costs and save approximately 1,300 galloons of water during peak summer months. Visit
www.prc.org for more information.