Households

Tip: Replace regular light bulbs with high-efficiency LED ones.

Why? LED bulbs last on average 25 times longer and uses 75% less energy than traditional bulbs.

Tip: Green math tells us that by driving 10 fewer miles per week, you will drive 520 miles less per year.

Why? The results are an average savings of 25 gallons of gas--and about $100. An additional benefit, you will feel healthier too!

Tip: Completely unplug appliances after turning them off.

Why? More than 5 percent of our national energy usage comes form appliance left in standby mode.

Tip: Purchase foods, goods, and services that are grown or produced close to home.

How? Shop for groceries at the North Market or shop at one of the many local farmer's markets in Columbus.

Tip: Insulate your water heater, and turn it down when you leave for trips.

How? Check out this handy how-to-guide and insulate your water heater in just four easy steps.

Tip: Turn your thermostat up in the summer, and down in the winter.

How?In the summer, set your thermostat no lower than 78 degrees. In the winter, set it at 68 in the daytime, and 55 at night.

Tip: Water your yard only once a week or not at all.

Why? According to the U.S. EPA, healthy, estabilshed lawns need only about one inch of water per week.

Tip: Install a rain barrel in your yard to collect rainwater, and use it to water your plants.

How? Learn about types of rain barrels and how to install them.

Tip: Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when they're full.

Why? By running them only when they are full, you could save an average of 1,000 gallons of water a month.

Tip: Install water-saving heads in your sinks and showers

Why? A water-saving showerhead saves the average family 500 gallons of water a week.

Tip: Install a low-flush toilet, or put a bottle of water in your tank so you use less water with each flush.

How? Check out these instructions for how to convert any toilet to a low-flush toilet.

Tip: Plant a tree on your property.

How? Follow these guidelines when choosing, planting, and caring for a tree. Learn more about Columbus' Urban Forestry Master Plan, Green Columbus' tree giveaways, and the GreenSpot Community Backyards ($50 rebate on native tree).

Tip: Carry reusable bags when you shop.

Why? The average person throws away 350 plastic shopping bags each year.

Tip: Choose products that use less packaging and less harmful material.

How? Check packaging for the amount of recycled paper or plastic used. About 35 percent less water pollution is produced when making recycled paper.

Tip: Request to be taken off junk mailing lists, stop catalog orders, and pay your bills online.

Why? The average person receives 41 pounds of junk mail each year and collectively Americans receive 4 million tons each year.

Tip: Avoid one-use items such as paper plates and cups.

Why? Making paper cups (both hot and cold beverage cups) each year requires over nine million trees, 5.7 billion gallons of water, and enough energy to light 77,000 homes.

Tip: Buy small amounts of items that have a short shelf life and bulk amounts of items that don't go bad quickly.

How? Plan ahead before shopping. Think about which items go bad quickly (e.g., paint and lawn fertilizer), and which keeps longer (e.g., shampoo and lotion).

Tip: Donate unused or unwanted items instead of throwing them away--and explore thrift stores instead of always buying something new.

How? Check out this list of local thrift stores. Find donation drop-off locations at salvationarmy.com and goodwillcolumbus.com.

Tip: Recycle paper, steel, glass, and plastic by using your local curbside subscription program.

How? Visit rumpke.com, swaco.org, or RecyColumbus to get information about your local recycling subscription programs.

Tip: Separate your yard waste, like grass clippings and leaves, from other trash and leave it by the curb on your assigned day.

How? Find your yard waste pickup day at 311 Customer Service Center.

For more options, preview the application and Become A GreenSpot!