My Plan to Go Green
Every change you make counts!
You can use this simple check list to create your personal plan or print a plan document. If you like detail and want to know more about what most affects CO2 emissions you can calculate your own carbon footprint. Click for a PDF version of MyGreenPlan to print.
| Did it | Planning to do it | |
| Energy Efficiency | ||
| Get a No-Cost energy assessment – 866-867-8729 or visit www.nextsteplivinginc.com/carlisle | ||
| Install an energy monitor | ||
| Replace incandescent light bulbs with CFLs or LEDs | ||
| Turn unused lights off | ||
| Plug TV’s, computers and other “leaking” products into smart power strips | ||
| Use air dry dishwasher setting | ||
| Hang wash out to dry | ||
| Use cold water for laundry washing | ||
| Wash sheets and clothes less often | ||
| Set the hot water heater thermostat to 120 or less | ||
| Install solar hot water system | ||
| Install a programmable thermostat | ||
| Set the winter night time temp to 55-58 | ||
| Set the daytime (when you are home) temp to 65-68 | ||
| Regular furnace tune up | ||
| Maximize weather stripping | ||
| Maximize insulation | ||
| Minimize use of air conditioning | ||
| Set the summer night time temp to 68-70 | ||
| Water Efficiency | ||
| Install low-flow showerheads (1.0 – 1.5 GPM) | ||
| Install aerators for faucets (0.38 – 0.5 GPM) | ||
| Install low-flow toilets (0.8 – 1.28 GPF) | ||
| Take shorter showers | ||
| Take fewer baths | ||
| Full Loads for Dishwasher and Washing Machine | ||
| Install a Rain Barrel | ||
| Plant drought resistant plants | ||
| Water so roots grow deep preventing disease and pests | ||
| Install drip irrigation | ||
| Water lawn at night or early morning | ||
| Food Sourcing | ||
| Limit red meat consumption | ||
| Buy local (Carlisle Farmers Market and local food at the grocery store) | ||
| Grow my own | ||
| Buy organic | ||
| Recycle | ||
| Reduce Solid Waste | ||
| Compost | ||
| Use Reusable Grocery Bags | ||
| Stop Junk Mail | ||
| Household Products | ||
| Use white vinegar as a cleaner | ||
| Use biodegradable detergents and cleaners | ||
| Use compostable disposable products | ||
| Purchase products made from recycled or sustainable materials | ||
| Landscaping | ||
| Compost | ||
| Plant drought resistant grasses (fescues, big bluestem, Canadian bluegrass & timothy) | ||
| Use organic fertilizer instead of chemical fertilizers to encourage deep root growth | ||
| Use milky spore instead of pesticides for grub control for pet health and honeybee health | ||
| Plant clover and sustainable grasses | ||
| Transportation | ||
| Keep the car tuned | ||
| Own a low mileage car | ||
| Minimize car trips | ||
| Keep tires properly inflated | ||
| Drive the speed limit | ||
| Don’t carry extra weight | ||
| Offset My Carbon Footprint | ||
| Purchase green power from NSTAR | ||
| Plant Trees | ||
| Purchase carbon credits when I fly | ||
| Purchase carbon credits when I take the train |
