Eleven Home Sustainability Tips

1. Swap your incandescent bulbs for CFL’s.

Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs are just as bright as incandescent bulbs, but they use up to 3/4 less energy—and they can last over 5 years!

That means over the long life of a CFL bulb you will save money and reduce CO₂ emissions at the power plant.

2. Use Public Transportation.

In the Chequamegon Bay, call the Bay Area Rural Transit (BART) at 682-9664

If you’re not going far, consider biking, hiking, or hitching a ride with a friend.

3. Recycle and Reuse!

Participate in curb-side recycling.

Re-cycle kitchen waste by composting!

Reuse the backsides of papers.

4. Unplug Electronics when they aren’t in use.

“Standby” lights on electronics are using electricity, even though the switch is off.

When buying new appliances, look for high-efficiency, Energy Star models.

5. Conserve water.

Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators – just ask at the hardware store.

Fill a 1/2 gallon jug with water, put it in your toilet tank, and reduce the amount of water used in each flush!

6. Shop smart.

Know how far your products traveled to the store shelf.

A locally produced product means less fuel was burned to transport it to you.

Reduce waste by buying in bulk, and look for products with the least amount of packaging.

Support sustainable agriculture—when buying food, look for local growers and certified organics.

7. Buy local products.

Purchase your food from local farmers at their farms or at farmers' markets:

  Saturday Mornings:  Ashland at the intersection of Chapple & Main
Bayfield, Manypenny and 4th St
Thursdays 3 pm - 6 pm: Cornucopia, along the waterfront

Utilize local craftsmen & artisans

Buy used products at local thrift stores, resale shops and garage sales.

8. Bring your own bags & containers.

Carry cloth or “green” bags for groceries, mugs for drinks, and reusable to-go containers for food.

Some coffeehouses and stores offer discounts if you “Bring Your Own Containers”.

9. Clean green.

Choose non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning supplies and choose paper products with 100% post-consumer recycled content.

Use cloth rags instead of disposable paper towels—just wash them and reuse them.

Wash your clothes and dishes in full loads and use cold water to conserve energy.

Hang your clothes out to dry and let the sun do the work!

10. Redesign your lawn.

Plant gardens—both for food and for beauty.

Native plant gardens require very little maintenance once they’re established— and are quite beautiful.

Mow your lawn less—let it grow a little longer and save on gas.

Commit to a chemical-free lawn—for the kids!

11. Heat & Cool Wisely!

Keep your thermostat under 70 in the winter: It saves energy and money.

Install energy efficient windows: They pay for themselves in two years and save you money!