The official first day of winter is tomorrow, December 21st. Let's celebrate with some green tips!
- Find out where you can recycle your real Christmas tree - many communities offer a free pick-up service and will turn them into mulch!
- Recycle wrapping paper. Don't throw it away!
- Save bows and ribbons - they can easily be reused and still appear brand new.
- Seal up those gaps and cracks letting the cold into your home. Walk around with a damp hand to feel where the air is leaking in. You will actually save money on your heating bill since the heater won't have to work as hard.
- Make sure to keep the air filters clean on your a/c and heating unit - dirt and neglect are the main causes of system failures.
- Air up those tires on your vehicle. The cold air causes tires to slightly deflate, so make sure they are filled properly for best possible gas mileage. Don't forget to check the air filter and fluids as well.
- Don't forget to close the fireplace damper when not in use.
- Dump your firewood ashes into your garden. It provides nutrients to the soil! If possible, use artificial logs that are made of recycled materials (such as coffee grounds). They actually burn a beautiful, hot fire for hours.
- Going on vacation? Turn the thermostat down! No need to heat an empty house. If you are in an area where it could freeze, it's probably a good idea to set the heat to a low temperature so you don't freeze the house. 63 degrees should do the trick.
- When you are home, bundle up with sweaters and wear socks so you don't have to keep the heater up so high for comfort.
- Run your fans in reverse (while home) to help bring warm air down into the living space.
- Open window coverings during the day to allow the warm sun to assist in heating your home, then close them at night to help keep the heat inside.
P.S. - If you're up late tonight, you can catch a rare winter solstice lunar eclipse!
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