The Tuckers are environmental nuts- new hobby

Treehugger.com; gogreen.com; green.yahoo.com

What we ARE doing:

*Energy Star front loading washing machine
*low-flow toilet [Low volume toilet saves 50-80 gallons of water per day.]
*LCD screen instead of CRT
*CFL bulbs (14 w instead of 60 w) 75% energy savings)
*low flow shower head/faucet [save 45 gallons of water per day (18% of avg. daily usage)]
*re-chargeable batteries
*change a/c; heating filters every three months
*tune-up car
*use water filter-instead of water bottles. [1. plastic waste 2. water in the water bottles is not regulated like the tap water 3. bottles made from PET.]
*fix any water drips. [can be 20 gallons of water a day]
*use recycled paper.
*wash car at car wash instead of home. [most recycle their water and all use less water than a hose would]
*compost for food scraps, lawn waste
*harvest rainwater for garden
*use a manual can opener
*reusable (bring your own) bags at stores.
*5 minute shower [12.5 gallons instead of average 25 gallons per shower]
*short shower instead of bath
*meatless three times a week
*clothesline to dry clothes
*thermostat set at 68degrees in winter and 78degrees in summer. *tires well inflated.
*turn off water when brushing teeth/washing face/shaving- use old school filled sink with water for hand washing throughout day. [saves 8 gallons a day for just brushing teeth. Regular faucets run water at 2 gallons per minute].
*hot water setting to 120’ instead of 140’.
*unplug all plugs when not in use. Use power saving/sleep modes for short term use.
*bills online/pay online-less paper waste
*unsubscribe to junk mail (insurance, credit card offers)
www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailing
*recycle tin, aluminum, paper, plastic, cardboard
*recycle electronics (computers, cell phones, ink cartridges), paints, and hazardous material through local phonebook agencies
*cloth diapers, instead of disposable diapers.
*Deva-Cup (re-useable female product).
*no paper products (plates, utensils, cups). Cloth napkins/wash rags instead of napkins/paper towels.
*cloth wipes, instead of toilet paper (except Rhet won’t convert)
*dishwasher only when full-“light” wash, dishes air dry. Scrape food off, but don’t pre-rinse. [Dishwashers conserve water better than hand-washing.]
*cold water in washing machine.
*Fill sink with water to rinse/wash dishes instead of letting water run.
*tweak printer settings for less ink usage. Use both sides of paper.
*Use “freecycle” to get/lose some of your stuff.
*share/switch off clothes, shop at Goodwill stores.
*green cleaning products (vinegar/water blend or baking soda/water blend)
*Have live plants in the house to help aerate.
*Plant your own pesticide/chemical free garden.
*Use boiling water or vinegar for spot weed removal-no pesticides.

What we would LIKE to do:

*Energy Star appliances (dishwasher, fridge, stove)
*Laptop instead of desktop
*toaster oven instead of oven [over 50% energy savings]
*insulate water pipes/heater
*low-E window film
*solar night lights outside to light up your path to your home
*while driving, stay speed limit, with minimal slowing down/speeding up. Use A/C minimally.
*try to go on one less flight a year.
*organic/homegrown foods when possible
*local foods when possible*take off shoes at the door to leave behind pesticides, pet waste, and dirt from the house.
*solar panels
*tankless water heater
*electric lawn mower
*dual flush toilet

What we will NEVER be able to do:

*hybrid car