Monthly Tips - August 2008

Valuable tips that benefit the environment
and help you save money

More than for the birds - Try planting leafy deciduous trees on the south, east, and west sides of your home. During the summer they provide shade and in the winter they will shed their leaves to let the warming sunshine through. To provide a windbreak in the winter, plant evergreens on the north side of your home.

Visit the Library - Why buy a book you will read just once when you can borrow it for free? Pickering’s libraries are bursting at the seams with great books, magazines, DVD’s and CD’s. If you do need to buy books, then buy used whenever possible, have a book exchange with your friends, and sell the books you no longer need.

Use ceiling fans - Strategically place ceiling or regular fans in your home to reduce the need for air conditioning. Check out the new Energy Star certified ceiling fans.

Save your energy – Avoid using your dryer by hanging your clothes out on the clothesline to dry. In the summer, keep your blinds or drapes closed during the day to minimize the solar heat and use of your air conditioner.

Tips provided by Matt Kofler, Dunbarton High School

For more great tips visit www.liveneutral.org  and www.practicalenvironmentalist.com