Five Ways to Help the Environment at Home

It's Earth Day and we thought we’d offer you some tips on how to be a friendlier to the planet. Like charity, caring for the environment begins at home. So here are five things you can do to make your home a little greener (and maybe save some green in the process):

1. Weatherize your home

Heating and cooling can account for more than half of your power bill each month. If you have a well-insulated house, you can save a bundle on your home energy costs if you plug cracks and leaks And all it may cost you is some cheap sheets of insulation, a couple of feet of weatherstripping or a tube of caulk.

2. Use a drip irrigation system in your garden

Some Long Islanders have irrigation system in their front yards. What you may not know is that these systems are not as efficient as a drip irrigation system, which uses tubes and hoses to water your plants directly, with little waste.

3. Use a manual or electric lawnmower

If you have a small yard, consider using a push or electric lawnmower. Firstly, you’ll eliminate the noise pollution gasoline mowers emit, and reel mowers recirculate the clippings back into your lawn as natural mulch.

4. Use a ceiling fan to cool your home during the summer months

Hot air rises and cold air falls – its simple science. Several strategically placed ceiling fans can create columns of air in your home that circulates and lessen the amount of time you spend with your air conditioner on, thus saving money.

5. Solar-powered dryer

No, this tip doesn’t have to do with installing solar panels on your roof. What it does involve is simply hanging your clothes on a line out in the sun to dry. And you get that added bonus of getting that “sun dried scent” without having to use a dryer sheet.