Ask an Expert: How Can I Go Green At Home?

Happy Earth Day! While sustainability and being earth-conscious should always be on our minds, today is a good reminder of ways we can be going green – and saving green! Charles Marchesano over at General Services is the Energy and Sustainability Chief. Here are five of his tips that you can do at home to help out the environment.

1.       Get a free water audit

Visit WaterSmart Checkup and follow the easy steps to schedule your free audit. You’ll also be able to find rebates and incentive programs when available.

2.       Get a free energy audit

SDG&E offers a free home audit that will reveal many simple changes you can make to quickly save, as well as more extensive improvements, like additional insulation. They offer up nice rebates and incentives when available, as well as low- to zero-interest loan programs, so take a look.

3.       Sign up for a carpool

Do your part for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – and maybe just meet some new co-workers! The County partners with iCommute, where you can sign up on an interest list to be connected to other people who have similar commutes to yours. The program even offers some financial incentives.

4.       Get free compost and mulch

If you find yourself doing yard work during the spring weekends, take advantage of free compost and mulch available at your local waste disposal facility. You’ll be helping divert these materials from our landfills. Plus, mulch helps keep the soil moist longer, which means water savings.

5.       Ditch the gas guzzler

Sign up for Bike to Work day. May 20 is National Bike to Work Day and the County is sponsoring two aide stations for the event (one at the COC and one at the CAC). Challenge yourself and sign up now.

Hope these ideas help you to continue along your path of sustainability!