GreenWay Life

You've already made the first step to a Greenway Life - an apartment has a smaller carbon footprint than a house. You'll find the following energy efficient features in your apartment:

  • Double Insulated Windows
  • Energy Star Refrigerator and Dishwasher incorporate advanced technologies that use 10-15% less energy and water than standard models
  • Gas Ranges instead of electric

Here's what you can do to be energy efficient

In the Kitchen Your refrigerator can use more energy than any other electric appliance:

  • Set the refrigerator between 36-38°F and the freezer between 0-5°F

To use less energy when cooking:

  • Use microwaves, toaster ovens or crock pots whenever possible
  • Cook with lids on your pans
  • If your gas burners have a continuous yellow flame, gas is not burning efficiently
  • Check the seal on the stove door and cracks or tears

Use energy-saving dishwasher features:

  • Energy/water-saving wash cycles can save $5-$15 per year
  • Turn the dishwasher off after the final rinse cycle and air dry dishes
  • Operate the dishwasher only when full

Want to go a step Greener? Buy green Products that are:

  • made from post-consumer, recycled materials
  • bio-based
  • non-toxic
  • renewable and recyclable
  • locally produced

You can improve your indoor quality:

  • use non-toxic, bio-based cleaning products
  • use pesticides only as a last resort
  • open windows

In the Bath Reducing hot water will reduce energy consumption and cost:

  • Water heaters should be set at 120°F. Any hotter results in wasted energy and could be a burn hazard.
  • Showers usually require less water than a tub bath
  • Reduce the length of time spent in the shower

Other Areas of Your Home

  • Use cold water for washing
  • Dry clothes in consecutive loads to take advantage of the heat already generated
  • Replace incandescent bulbs with compact florescence that last much longer and use less energy
  • Use brighter bulbs in area where you do more close-up work and less bright bulbs in other areas
  • In the Winter, set the thermostat 2-4° below to what you're accustomed
  • Shut vents to unused rooms
  • Keep windows closed when A/C is on
  • Fans, used alone or with A/C to save money
  • Recycle - not just your waste, but other things like furniture, Buying new things makes your carbon footprint bigger