Becoming more environmentally friendly is not only good for the environment, but also very good for your health. Here are some great tips to help you get started to save money on energy and water consumption, while creating better indoor air quality by reducing toxins in your home.

1. If you haven't already started switching to "Energy Star" Light Bulbs, this is a great place to start. Energy Star light bulbs use approximately 75 percent less energy and saves you approximately $30 per light bulb over it's lifetime. Not only will you save money over a period of time, but also you will help reduce greenhouse gases that cause air pollution.

2. Check the weather-stripping around your doors and windows for air leaks. Replace the weather-stripping if necessary to prevent heating and cooling loss. I do not recommend using felt weather-stripping, as it can be very ineffective.

3. Check the caulking around all your doors, windows, and baseboard for potential air leaks. If they do need caulking, use a low VOC caulking to help reduce toxins in your home while creating better indoor air quality.

4. Use foam gaskets in you light switches and outlet boxes to reduce the air flow coming through.

5. Add insulation to your attic- GreenFiber offers Green and Eco-friendly insulation solutions. Proper insulation plays a big factor in energy efficiency. Adding insulation can save you up to 20% on your heating and cooling costs. GreenFiber also qualifies for a 30% federal tax credit.

6. When replacing faucets, shower heads, toilets and other water related plumbing fixtures, look for products labeled "WaterSense". A "Watersense" labeled toilet for example, uses 1.28 (gpf) gallons per flush or less, compared to older model toilet that use up to 7 gallons per flush. (“Water Sense” is a partnership sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency to promote water efficient products and services)

7. When purchasing new items such as small or large appliances, ceiling fans, lighting fixtures, heating, cooling and ventilation, windows, doors, skylights, office equipment, electronics and so forth; consider purchasing products labeled “ Energy Star.” (Energy Star is a program of the “Environmental Protection Agency”) Also see their website to check for tax credits and rebates.

8. To find out how much electricity each device in your home is drawing, for around $30 you can purchase a “Kill A Watt” meter. Plug each appliance and electronic into the meter and it will tell you how much power is being drawn.

9. For those devices that draw stand by power, such as electronics and home-office equipment; consider a power strip such as “Watt Stopper”. (wattstopper.com). Watt Stoppers” and other similar power strips are designed to cut standby power.

10. Call your local utility companies to find out if they offer a free or discounted "Energy Audit." If not you can call an Energy Audit Specialist.

Good indoor air quality is so important for the heath of your family and pets.By making small changes to non-toxic pesticides, household cleaners, paints, stains, sealers and other household toxic chemicals, you will create much better indoor air quality. The everyday cleaners we use can cause unnessasary mild to serious health problems.

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