Staying Green at Home 

Household

• Buy phosphate-free detergent. Phosphates are a cause of oxygen depletion in water leading to the loss of aquatic life 
• Line dry clothes, sheets, and towels outside as much as possible 
• Only wash full loads of laundry 
• Switch to the earth-friendly brand of laundry soap 
• Use a drying rack for delicate or lightweight items 
• Wash clothes in warm or cold water and you will use 80-85% less energy compared to using hot water. Only use hot water if you are washing out oily dirt or stains 

Energy 

• Arrange furniture to take advantage of natural light from windows 
• Clean refrigerator gaskets regularly and vacuum the condenser coils twice a year. Your refrigerator will operate more efficiently and use less electricity 
• Install dimmer switches where dimmed lighting makes sense (Ex. Dining Rooms, and hallways) Dimming a light by 25% saves an equal amount of energy 
• Keep your freezer set at 3 degrees to conserve energy 
• Keep your refrigerator set at 37 degrees and full to conserve energy 
• Use a toaster oven for small jobs. It will use 1/3 to ½ as much energy as a full-size oven 
• Use your microwave for cooking and reheating. This will reduce up to 70% of energy use