Environment = Tips On Being Green At Home And Away (NAPSA)—Today, finding ways to be more energy efficient and eco friendly isn’t just good for the environment—it can be good for your home, your family and your bottom line. Here are hints on how: .% —_—— —— = Reduce, reuse, recycle: Take a look around—a simple mental checklist of reusable, recyclable items can make a world of difference with no more effort than a weekly drop-off. For example, take old books and donate them to a school or library. If you buy eggs in cartons, drop the empties off at an elementary school or after-school center to be used for art projects. If you’re renovating your homeor even just planning a few small home improvement projects, remember that just about everything, from old flooring to doorknobs and light fixtures, can be repurposed by a charity if not by you. eEat and drink your way to a healthier planet: How (and what) you eat can make a big impact on the environment and the community. Farmers’ markets are often bursting with fresh produce. Supporting one helps preserve the vitality of community agriculture. Buying local means produceis fresher—it hasn’t been shipped from hundreds of miles away. To keep those fruits and veggies fresher longer, you can get a refrigerator with humidity-controlled crispers. Using yourrefrig- There are many ways to makelit- tle changes in and outside of your home that not only benefit the environment but can help save money and energy and give you peace of mind in knowing you’re doing your part. erator’s water dispense system and a reusable bottle instead of bottled water can keep up to 300 plastic bottles a year from ending up in landfills. eLet the housework do the saving for you: New homeappliances are far more efficient than older models. New washers such as the Energy Star-—certified Amana 3.6-cu.-ft., high-efficiency washer use 75 percent less water and 82 percent less energy than those manufactured just a decade ago. If you’ve been considering a new washer or dryer, the good newsis it could save you money on yourutility bills. eLearn more: You can find additional facts on efficient appliances at Www.amana.com.
