Green Tips

Be Energy Wise
Trim money off your monthly power bill, save energy and reduce your carbon emissions

• Try plugging the appliances you use the most, that don’t need to be on all the time, into a power strip. Even when turned “off,” appliances and electronics plugged into an outlet still use electricity. So to conserve energy, just flip the power strip to “off” when you are not home.
• Close your blinds or curtains during the day throughout the summer to keep heat out.
• Wash in cold water instead of warm or hot. Warm/hot washers can use 10x more energy.
• Set your water heater to 120 degrees and save between 6% and 10% on your energy bill. 
  * According to Energy.gov, if you have suppressed immune system or chronic respiratory disease you may want to consider leaving the setting at 140 degrees. Or if your dishwasher does not have a booster setting you should probably leave the temperature at 140 degrees.
• Purchase ENERGY STAR products, which save energy. If a commercial building, try to obtain an Energy Star Certificate.
• Install Energy Star rated LEDs (light emitting diode lights) which are bright and save energy because they are more efficient than other lights.
• Install motion sensor and/or automatic dimming switches for lighting in office and commercial buildings. 
• Keep air conditioners at 76 degrees in Florida, according to FP&L.
• Laptops can be more energy efficient than desktops. Once charged, remove and unplug the cord.
• For more energy efficiency tips visit the Energy.gov or EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Pollution Prevention (P2) web sites.  

Travel Light
Decrease your emissions, increase your fuel efficiency, and save money

• Carpool, vanpool, ride a bus, bike or walk are all great options for reducing the emissions you generate whether driving to work or running an errand. For bus information check out Votran and for general ideas on commute options available for you visit rethinkyourcommute.com.
• Shop local and support local business.
• Schedule regular auto tune ups for your car or the office fleet while maintaining the appropriate tire pressure on these vehicles can mean better mileage and reduced carbon emissions – bottom line savings! Driving 65 mph on the highway results in the best mpg when on the highway.
• Consider alternative fuels for home and work use, personal vehicles and work fleets. If you drive an alternative fuel vehicle you should check out the Volusia County Alternative Fuel Site map.
• Buy home and office products from distributors close by to reduce the carbon impact of long haul deliveries. Plan your shopping so that you use the least energy and time to get what you need for home or office.
• Check out fueleconomy.gov to see fuel efficiency ratings before you buy a vehicle.
• Create a companywide policy to eliminate idling of engines.
• Schedule virtual business meetings.
• Utilize the Florida Green Lodging Program for business travel and vacation hotels.

Be Water Wise
Save on water bills, landscaping maintenance and preserve natural areas

• Use low flow shower heads and faucets with timers or sensors. Look for WaterSense labeled products. 
• Capture water used for rinsing dishes or showering to water plants.
• Install low flow or dual flush toilets.
• Run a dishwasher, clothes washer or dryer only when they are full loads.
• Consider replacing the tank style hot water system with a tank-less “on demand” style.
• Consider replacing your washing machine with one that allows you to adjust cycle and load. If you are a Volusia County Water Resources customer you could qualify for a rebate.
• Fertilize Like a Floridian. For more information on fertilizing visit Be Floridian Now.
• Plant Like a Floridian. Design your landscape to use the existing established native plants.  This reduces maintenance and water use, saving time and cash.
• Follow local watering restrictions, water only when needed, and make sure you have a rain gage added to automatic sprinkler systems and make sure you reduce watering during rainy periods. 
• Water your lawn and plants in the morning or evening. Water evaporates four to eight times faster during the heat of the day. Use a watering can instead of a hose.
• Capture rainwater in rain barrels to water plants. Make sure you screen your rain barrel, or if you use containers other than a rain barrel don’t let water “stand” as this creates mosquito breeding habitat.
• Turn the water off while brushing your teeth, washing your hands and doing the dishes.
• Take shorter showers. See if you can get your shower time down to less than five minutes.
• When washing the dishes, fill the sink or a tub with hot water to wash the dishes in. Rinse the clean dishes in another tub of hot water or rinse them all under the faucet at once to reduce the time the water is running.

Be an Environmental Champion
Enjoy spending time in some of our natural places. Get involved through volunteering and encourage others to work together to preserve our natural places

• Learn more by checking out conservation programs, such as Volusia Forever, which preserve native habitats for future generations. 
• Participate in one of the Explore Volusia education programs. 
• Be knowledgeable on environmental issues and projects in your area. Participate in solutions through volunteering with Green Volusia Volunteers!
• Use IPM (Integrated Pest Management) techniques and stop or reduce your use of herbicides and pesticides so native wildlife can thrive. Use the EPA simple steps to pest control.
• Check to see if the new plant for your garden is native to Florida and your area. Check the Florida Native Plant Society and St. Johns River Water Management District for native plant ideas.
• Use green cleaning products around the workplace. Ask your cleaning service to use green cleaning products appropriate for your work environment. This will cut down on the chemicals being used in your business space and create a healthier work environment.

Be the team
Help create a healthy community

• Find ways to stay active. Sports Volusia is a great way to get involved in sports.
• Use the County’s Parks and Trails app to find places to visit. It’s also a great way to meet people within your community.
• Try volunteering for one of the many Volunteer Volusia programs.
• Help maintain or even start a community garden in your area. Community gardens are a great way to interact with people in your community, make good use of the land, and provide a source of healthy food and of beauty.
• Check out local farmers markets in Volusia County to shop for fresh produce that is in season, get some exercise and maybe meet some other people in your community. 

Be Waste Aware
Save costly landfill space and the need to develop more waste processing facilities

• Reduce, reuse/repurpose, and recycle as much as you can wherever you are.
• Look for sustainable products when you purchase supplies for work or home.
• Set your printer to automatically default to print double side and use black in only. Recycle ink cartridges – check with your supplier for opportunities. 
• Check with your waste collection service or your city or county recycling manager for recycling opportunities. You likely can recycle more than you know!
• Start using reusable cups, plates, utensils instead of throw-away types. Donate to charitable organizations, thrift stores and artists that repurpose goods. Remember old construction materials are accepted at second hand stores as well.
• Shop second hand stores and repair/restore items before buying new.
• Plan meals to create additional meals with leftovers.
• Discuss recycling with others at home and work on how you can reduce, reuse, and recycle more.
• Try composting your leftover perishables. Check local ordinances and, as applicable, check with your HOA for any composting requirements. Check out how to compost at home. 
• Reduce your company's waste. Look for ways to reduce waste, recycle and reuse as much as possible. Initiate an environmentally preferable purchasing program and purchase green products.
• Check your supply chain for efficiencies.

Be the Connection
Support your local economy and live healthier

• Visit one of the local farmers markets in Volusia County to purchase produce.
• You can shop local and purchase products and services manufactured or provided locally.
• Support green businesses by looking for labels that indicate use of recycled material, reduced energy and/or water consumption, or any other green practices. Ask stores what they do in their operations that are green.
• Explore your local area. Look for ECHO (Ecological, Cultural, Heritage, and Outdoors) opportunities that you have not experienced and plan a day trip.
• Create a policy for overnight business stays at hotels within the Florida Green Lodging Program.