My family has been working together to do our part for the environment.  We try to run all of our errands at one time, rather than taking so many extra trips.  This not only saves on gas, it also saves time and makes us be more organized.  As light bulbs burn out in the house, we always replace with new fluorescent bulbs.  Each year our organically grown vegetable garden becomes a little bit bigger, as does our compost pile.  My 3 year old knows exactly where the banana peels go, and my 6 year old is the official canvas bag carrier on shopping trips.

At home we have powered down. Our utility company has raised rates by 70-some percent over that past year. We replaced all bulbs with CFLs. We unplug computers and TVS etc unless we are watching them. Laundry and dishes are done off peak hours and only with full loads. We spend most of our time in the evening in the family room, so lights are off on the main floor except for 1 CFL for safety. We turn on lights as needed. We replaced windows (the house is 1950’s) and got a new furnace with a dehumidifier and programmable thermostat.

Although I grew up in a family that emphasized an awareness of the environment and “keeping it clean!”, as a biology teacher I am constantly inundated with information about our changing climate. This has sparked a new drive on my part to do what I can. I have been changing the bulbs in my home, and I decided to hold on to my Civic for a little while longer.

Last year I bought a house and car. I bought a Prius hybrid which I drive at 60mph or below to get optimal mileage. I also keep windows rolled up when I can and the air conditioner off, weather permitting, to increase efficiency. (Windows up improves aero-dynamics or drag on a moving vehicle.) As for the house I went as small as possible with minimum to maintain. I enclosed a drive-in basement garage to save on fuel heat. I also improved attic insulation by replacing old and adding new thicker insulation. I am replacing storm doors for more efficient models.