

Green Tips

Buy a programmable thermostat.
They cost between $30 and $100, but that’s money you’re sure to make back over the course of a year because your energy bills will drop. A programmable thermostat allows you to adjust your home’s temperature on a predetermined schedule, so you don’t unnecessarily waste energy when you’re not home or when you’re sleeping.

Watch that idle time.
Letting your engine idle for more than 30 seconds will burn more gasoline than restarting the engine, so turn the engine off if you expect a lengthy wait. Instead of idling at a drive-through for several minutes, park the car and go inside.

Map out your errands.
Tackle multiple errands on the same morning or afternoon and plan out your trip ahead of time. Consolidate drives to locations that are close to each other. If possible, park your car in one spot and walk when you get there.

Savvy Food Purchases.
Since food is one of the major expenditures for a family, it’s a natural place to try to spend less. Luckily, there is a way to save while still enjoying a great meal. This winter, return to your roots (onions, potatoes, turnips and rutabagas, to name a few). Locally grown root vegetables are abundant and inexpensive, not to mention healthy, delicious and filling when turned into a hearty vegetable stew. (www.thegreenguide.com)

Ditch the Styrofoam.
Coffee Drinkers- Styrofoam is not biodegradable, which means it's here forever. Next time, get your coffee to go in a reusable coffee mug or thermos. Use glass and metal storage containers whenever possible. (http://life.familyeducation.com)

Say no to Plastic Utensils.
Like paper products, plastic utensils rate high on the waste scale. Most disposable plastic utensils are used once and thrown away, rather than recycled. Since they are not biodegradable, they will live on forever in the environment. Consider washing and reusing plastic utensils, or stick to regular cutlery. (http://life.familyeducation.com)

3341 Old Jacksonville Road
1748 Wabash Avenue
480 S Crossing Drive
512 W Main Street