Here is to a “Green” Fall Season

October is Energy Action Month. It was first brought into existence as “Energy Awareness Month” 24 years ago by George H.W. Bush. President Barack Obama proclaimed Energy Action Month to be a “call upon the citizens of the United States to recognize this month by working together to achieve greater energy security, a more robust economy, and a healthier environment for our children.”

 Here are some easy ways to save energy and/or reevaluate your energy usage choices:

Conduct an energy audit

It’s getting colder outside and your house may need some tune ups in order to save energy while keeping you and your family warm and cozy. Throughout the last few years Energy Audits have been growing in popularity among home owners.

According to Advanced Energy, you should start with a professional energy auditor to determine what home improvements are the most important for you to save energy, save money and make your house more comfortable. Some energy efficiency improvements are easy to see. For the improvements that are more difficult to see, your home energy auditor should provide before and after photographs, and retest duct and house air tightness. Save significant amounts of money over time while reducing your carbon emissions.

For more information about Energy Audits check out this detailed infographic from energy.gov

Green up your Halloween

What would an October blog post be without some Halloween tips? There are many great resources out there such as the Candy Buyback Program. Sell your unused candy to participating area dentists instead of letting it go to waste.

Since we’re talking about candy, have you ever wondered what happens to all the candy wrappers you throw in the trash every year? Candy wrappers are usually made up of mixed materials, making the recovery of useful materials difficult and expensive. Consider reusing candy wrappers for these fun art projects if you’re crafty or try avoiding them all together by purchasing treats that come in cardboard boxes and foil.

While you’re waiting for Halloween to get here make a statement with some energy friendly pumpkin carvings such as lightbulbs and wind turbines. Download your patterns here.

Lastly, here are some tips to keep one of America’s favorite pastimes in the fall green – Football! Whether you like to throw a game-watching party at your house or tailgate in the stadium parking lot, keeping your party green is easier than you might think.

While tailgating around the television, keep drinks and snacks in coolers to avoid constantly opening the fridge and use insulated serving dishes instead of leaving the oven and coffeepot on for hours. If you have a grill party outside, follow these tips for an eco-friendly BBQ. Instead of simple disposable tableware consider Preserve. It is made from a thicker resin of plastic that allows for multiple uses. Also, Preserve’s products are made from 100 percent recycled polypropylene (plastic #5 or PP). Another environmentally friendly resource for your grill event are All Natural Briquettes from Greenlink.

One of the easiest ways to reduce your waste is to recycle. It’s easy to put a clearly marked bin out at your tailgate. Did you know that, according to an estimate of the EPA, 75% of our waste is recyclable?

Hopefully, these tips will make your fall even more enjoyable.