ReStore: Living Green

Living Green: A Few Tips

September 28th, 2008

Our local community shops at the Habitat ReStore for many reasons. You already know that it’s the perfect place to find useful and unique items for home renovation at a great price. You probably also already know that proceeds of the Habitat ReStore support affordable housing in Lycoming County.

In addition, an increasingly popular reason that people shop at the Habitat ReStore is that it supports “Green” living! In a time where protecting our environment is becoming a serious concern for many, the ReStore is a perfect example of reusing and recycling.

The following are a few other “Green” living tips:

Not driving? Turn off your car!

• The recommendation is: If you are going to be parked for more than 30 seconds, turn off the engine. It only takes ten seconds of idling to use more fuel than turning off the engine and restarting it.

Reduce!

• Buy in bulk. Typically, bulk items use less packaging, which means that
    you’ll use less energy.
• Buy quality products that will last longer. Over time, you'll buy less products and
    reduce consumption.
• Buy a reusable coffee mug instead of using disposable ones when you get your
    morning cup of joe.
• Buy a resusable water bottle instead of disposable bottles of water.

Trim Down on Heating & Cooling

• Add two degrees to the AC thermostat in summer, and subtract two degrees in winter. If
everyone did this, the cumulative impact would be significant.
• Save 5% in heating costs by keeping your furnace clean and lubricated.
• Use a programmable thermostat, which can reduce energy use by 5-30 percent and save
you $100-$150 in energy costs each year.