#10 Replace your gas appliances with electric.

Natural gas and propane stoves can release carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and other harmful pollutants into the air, which can be toxic to people and pets. A new study out of UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health, titled “Effects of Residential Gas Appliances on Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality and Public Health in California.” 

#9 Ensure your HVAC is working properly. 

Many efficient ventilation solutions recycle air to conserve energy, which is great for the environment but can move contaminated air around rather than cycling in new air, which can lead to a higher concentration of CO₂. Replace your air filters and any other parts as needed to improve ventilation and lower CO₂ levels in your home.

#8 Incorporate plants in your home.

Plants not only boost your mood, concentration, and creativity—not to mention provide stress relief—but greenery also helps purify the air by converting CO₂ into oxygen and absorbing toxins. Red-edged dracaena, weeping fig, and bamboo palm are among the best indoor plants due to their air filtering capabilities.

#7 Install a water recirculation pump.

A water recirculatinpump sends the cold water back to the water heater when waiting for the eater to heat up. An average home can save 11,000 gallons of water per year by installing a water recirculation pump. Install costs around $1,400 and saves about $1,400 over 10 years, so it pays for itself.

#6 Plant a garden at home.

Growing your own food helps you make better food choices. It improves mood, reduces stress, and is simple to do. It takes a little time, but things like tomatoes, lettuce, peppers — basic kitchen crops — are very forgiving. Really, anyone can learn to grow food pretty easily. Home gardens use less water than commercial farms, and home gardens also produce less CO2 emissions, when done right.

#5 Wash clothes in cold water.

Heating water accounts for 90% of a clothes washer’s energy use. Cold water cleans clothes just as well as hot water. Hot water will shrink your clothes, cause fading and wear them out faster, too. Hot water uses 4.5 kWh per load; cold uses 0.3 kWh per load. Also, front-loading wash machines use 40-75% less water and 30-85% less energy than top loaders. Expect to save over $200/year.

#4 Go solar.

Save money, reduce CO2 emissions, and save water. A solar energy system can offset 100% of a home's energy use. Solar power systems use 95% less water in the manufacturing process vs. coal, plus, do not require any water to generate electrticity. According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, an acre of solar panels producing zero-emissions electricity saves between 267,526 to 303,513 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. 

#3 Consume less.

It really is that simple. We don;t need so much stuff that we have to rent a storage locker. Buy less stuff. You''ll spend less, feel more content, and reduce your carbon footprint. Less stuff in the lanfill.

#2 Repair the stuff you have.

Repair extends the useful lives of the products we buy. Again, we can save money, reduce emissions, love the items we have more, learn a new skill and gain confidence, reduce landfill waste. Repair your stuff.

#1 Read a book.

Did you know that we are subjeted to 4,000 to 10,000 ads each day all trying to get us to buy something? We see over 10X the ads a person did in the 1970's. So, when I say "read a book" I realy mean, step away from the screens. Plus, a book can teach you how to fix stuff. Get the book from the library where it is free, and is reused over and over.

 Having siad that, here's your 10,001 ad for the day: Fill out the Get A Quote form to see how a sustainable energy management system can help reduce your energy bill, add comfort, and save money.