Green Living in Houston – 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.

Resources for Green Living in Houston

Committed to Living Beyond Green, The Dinerstein Companies offers residents a variety of helpful resources for sustainable apartment living. Check them out!