At Home
​​There are lots of simple steps you can take to make your home more sustainable, helping protect the planet and your family’s well-being.
Water
While it’s always there when you turn on the tap, water is a precious resource and less than 1% of the planet’s water is drinkable. Conserving water is good for the environment and can help cut your utility bill – according to the EPA, your water heater accounts for ~15% of your home energy usage. The good news is that you don’t need to call a licensed plumber to reduce your water consumption:​
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Wait to do big loads of laundry and only run the dishwasher when full.
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Turn off the tap when you’re not using it – e.g. while scrubbing hand-washed dishes, brushing your teeth or shaving.
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Fix leaks and running toilets ASAP.
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Install low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets
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It may seem counterintuitive, but watering your lawn sparingly (once a week or less if it rains) actually encourages rooting and drought tolerance. Irrigation rain sensors can help you avoid unnecessarily running sprinklers during a shower or when the soil is sufficiently moist. Schedule watering for early in the morning to avoid evaporation in the heat of the day.
Energy
Your home may be your castle, but it’s also probably a big part of your carbon footprint. Here are some things you can do to help make your home more energy efficient – and reduce your utility bills:​
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Use LED bulbs inside and outside.
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Choose Energy Star-certified appliances.
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Schedule a home energy assessment to help you identify energy-saving opportunities.
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Slay the vampires! Even when appliances are idle or turned off they may continue to draw power from outlets. These “energy vampires” not only waste energy, but also ratchet up your energy bills. Unplug things like hair dryers, printers, coffee makers, and electric toothbrushes when not in use.
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Here comes the sun: if you’re thinking about getting a new roof, consider installing solar panels as part of the project – with current incentives, the incremental cost is less than you’d expect (be sure to check with the Glen Ridge Historic Preservation Commission to make sure you can have them on your home.)
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Not ready to go solar? Consider making a seamless switch to a renewable energy provider that’ll get billed through your current utility.
Electrification
Doing some renovations? Your home’s gas appliances can cause indoor and outdoor air pollution, so it’s worth considering safer, more eco-friendly electric options. Be sure to check out the latest federal and NJ incentives:​
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Even professional chefs are starting to embrace induction ranges (and did we mention the stoves are a dream to clean?)
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Heat pumps are a great, efficient way to heat and cool your home and can be installed without invasive ductwork.
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And while you’re lowering your fossil fuel consumption at home, think about how you’re getting around town. If you’re in the market for a new car, consider an EV or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). PHEVs can give you 30+ miles of all-electric driving – great for gas-free trips to the supermarket, school, the train station, etc.
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An e-bike is another great option for local trips vs. getting another car – fun to ride, no insurance, easy to find parking and you get some exercise!
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Cleaning
Use eco-friendly cleaners to limit exposure to chemicals and contaminants for a healthier home!​
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Not sure what to buy? Check out the EPA’s Safer Choice database.
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Make your own simple, effective, and time-tested cleaning products using ingredients from your kitchen like lemon juice, baking soda, and white vinegar.
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Additionally, try multi-use cleaning products – e.g., cloth towels vs. paper towels; microwave sponges to disinfect them for reuse.