Welcome to Level Two!

These items require more investment on your part but will continue you down your green road…

• Invest in a home energy efficiency consultation and make the recommended changes to improve your building envelope.

• Buy energy saving appliances like dishwashers, washers, dryers, refrigerators, and heaters and always look for the Energy Star logo. Choose top-freezer models instead of side-by-side models. Purchase low-flush toilets. Select products that are size appropriate to your household.

• Convert your electric range to gas.

• Use high “R-value” materials for windows and insulating material. R-value is the measure of the materials’ thermal resistance. Purchase “low-E” glass, which allows sunlight through but not the thermal energy. Install sky lights.

• Install hardwood flooring (FSC certified wood or bamboo) instead of carpet and use low VOC paint. Many traditional carpet, paint and home furnishings emit poisonous particles into the environment long after they have been purchased and are in use. This is considered “off-gassing” and these materials should be avoided.

• Paint your roof with a light-reflective paint to reduce heat loads.

• Ask your electric company to shift from electric power to green power. Consider purchasing green power from the Green Power Network at www.eere.energy.gov/greenpower.

• Consider setting up a carbon reduction plan for your neighborhood.

• Become involved in a community garden.