A greener home is the first place to begin making small changes to help the environment and create a healthier and more enjoyable place to live. Here are some simple steps to green up your life and change the planet, and to meet the
Wethersfield Green Summit III Conservation Challenge.

WATER

1. Reduce the flow Install aerators on your facuets and showers to reduce water glow by 50%, while keeping water pressure high.

2. Wait until full

Only run your dishwasher and washing machine with a full load. Adjust the water level on the washer to suit your load size and use cool or warm settings wo save energy.

3. Water Sparingly

If you must water your lawn, do it in either early morning or later afternoon to reduce evaporation.

4. Displace it

Fill an empty soda bottle with water or use a brick and place it in your toilet tank to reduce the water used per flush.

ELECTRICITY

5. Turn it off

Turn off lights, monitors, computers, etc. when not in use.

6. Unplug it

Beware of phantom loads. TVs, VCRs, stereos, computers and kitchen appliances all draw some power when switched off. Unplug them or use a power strip to cut off all power to appliances.

7. Switch to CFLs

Compact fluorescent light bulbs save about 50 percent on lighting costs compared to incandescent bulbs.

8. Invest in your future

Buy Energy Star labeled products, which can cut energy costs by up to 30 percent. 

9. Ditch the fridge

Unplug, remove and recycle dormitory style refrigerators. One dorm fridge is almost equal in operating costs to an 18-cubic feet Energy Star refrigerator.

10. Turn "down" the AC

Raise your AC thermostat to cut your cooling costs by 3% per degree or use a fan.