Green Technology

How does one go about living a Low Carbon life?  What are some of the easy ways to become "green" and lower your impact on the environment?

 There are lots of little things that add up ... each comes with varying costs or inconveniences.  Here are some ideas

Travel:
Walk or use a bicycle ... Take public transportation ... Drive at 55 MPH or less ... Buy a fuel efficient car or Hybrid ... Keep the tires properly inflated and aligned ...  Keep your the car properly tuned ... Empty the trunk / car of unneeded items ... Join a car share program

Home: 

"8% of electricity consumed at home is from items we aren't using - so don't leave the TV and other things on "standby"." ... Use setback thermostats ... Set temperatures at 72 deg in the summer and 62 in the winter ... Wear a sweater when cold ... Use fans rather than Air Conditioning ... switch to compact florescent bulbs ... Insulate your water heater ... Put outdoor lights on a timer or motion sensor ... Insulate the walls and ceilings to the proper level based on climate

Food:

Purchase locally grown / raised foods ... Use a string web (reusable forever) shopping bag ... Recycle plastic shopping bags ... Buy in bulk where possible / avoid single use sizes if possible ... Grow your own vegetables - tomatoes, pepper and peas are easy!