Planet Green
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If you don't know where to start on the journey to go green, you certainly aren't alone. Elle McGee, from the Elle's Challenge Episode of Wa$ted! was lost too. But with Annabelle's and Holter's help, she is following the plan below applicable to many of you at home too.
Elle McGee's Family Eco Plan
1. Cut Back on Landfill Waste
To start, Elle joined Freecycle, an online group where people can exchange 'free stuff.' She started giving away things that almost ended up in the trash but realized other people might be able to use. She gave away an aquarium plus a few building materials like scrap wood, ceramic tiles, painting supplies, and an old ceiling fan. Elle sent anything that didn't get picked up to the salvage yard with Annabelle and Holter.
Then, Elle made sure to properly dispose of any hazardous materials that couldn't be re-used or recycled. She took over 20 paint cans to her city's hazardous waste site.
More Ways the McGee's Reduce Landfill Waste:
- Researched general recycling rules, and those only pertaining to her town.
- Now deposit the baby's "business" in the toilet before disposing diapers— no longer needs to place soiled diapers in individual plastic bags to cut the odor.
2. Save Gas and Improve Fuel Efficiency:
To cut back on fuel and improve gas efficiency, Elle convinced not one but two of her coworkers to carpool with her. This cuts their commute from 250 miles/week to under 100 miles/week. She also installed "KIWI" to monitor and alter any excessive fuel-consuming habits. To prevent the 'petal to the metal' mentality, she said she tried to imagine a raw egg under the gas pedal.
More Ways the McGee's Save on Gas:
- Removed excess items from truck to lighten the load.
- Change oil, and filter, check air pressure weekly and keep tires properly inflated.
- Park truck in garage which eliminates need to use remote start, and a 5-10 minute idle before entering vehicle.
3. Save Water:
To save water, Elle replaced the family's old shower head with a low flow shower head. Also she tried to take shorter showers. Plus, now the baby gets baths every other day, with a sponge bath in between and she aims to use less water in general for his baths.
More ways the McGee's Save Water:
4. Reduce Heat/Gas Consumption:
To save on heating and gas, Elle started lowering the thermostat. Now she tries to keep it around 65-69 degrees instead of 70-75. She has also "balanced" the vents to channel more warm air into the rooms they use more frequently (a tip from the utility company!). To keep air from leaking out, she checked for leaks around the window molding and spaces between electrical sockets, then 'stuffed' the cracks with insulation.
More Ways the McGee's Reduce Their Heat/Gas Consumption:
- Hang some clothes to dry instead of using dryer.
- Lowered temperature on water heater.
- Replaced boiler filter.
- Wash clothes w/ cold or warm, instead of using the sanitary cycle which practically boils the clothes!
5. Save Electricity
Elle's first step to saving on electricity was to get the security system fixed. That way she doesn't have to keep lots of lights on just to feel safe. She started unplugging items when not in use and installed outdoor LED lighting instead of incandescent lighting. Elle also updated about 15 light bulbs to CFL bulbs. She also decided to start listening to music on her clock radio, which is always on anyway, instead listening to music via satellite tv (the little things make a big difference, too).
More Ways the McGee's Save Electricity
- Changed temperature on refrigerator from 32 to 35 degrees.
- Changed temperature on freezer from -1 to 0 degrees.
- Replaced about 15 bulbs to CFL bulbs
Elle added: "A little added guilt also helped. Now that I am better educated about some better ways to conserve energy, and "Be Green", there's no turning back! Thanks "Wa$ted!" Team!!!!!!!!!"
The McGee family was featured on the Elle Challenge episode of Wa$ted! Check the Planet Green TV schedule for listings.
More on eco-friendly living
Green Alternatives to Traditional Insulation
5 Easy Steps to A Well-Insulated House
7 Great Ways to Insulate Your Home
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