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What does "Going Green" mean?
NeighborWorks Green Bay is committed to helping our neighbors live in healthy, environmentally-friendly homes. Going green is good for you, your family, the community, and the environment.
There are several different aspects to being green-energy conservation, water conservation, indoor air quality, etc. We are here to give you some easy tips along with resources to help you save money and live better.
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Energy Resources
The average household spends $2000-$2500 on energy utility bills every month. There are a number of steps that you can take to reduce your household energy consumption and save money!
Wisconsin Public Service has many resources to help you save money, and be a green energy consumer. There are programs to help you manage your energy dollars and payment options. This includes the “Budget Plan” where yearly energy costs are averaged out so that you pay the same amount every month, rather than large bills some months and small bills other months.
There are a lot of great resources on the WPS website, including green choices.
Focus on Energy provides a variety of services to help you make your home more energy efficient and reduce your energy costs. Services may include:
- FREE home energy assessments
- Financial assistance for major improvements
- FREE energy saving products
- CFL and LED light bulbs
- High efficiency showerheads
- Water-saving faucet aerators
The average quarterly water bill in Green Bay is $100-$150.
There is a limited supply of water on the planet, and we are using it faster then the earth can replenish it. We must all make changes in our lifestyles that will change the course of our water and its quality.
The Green Bay Water Utility offers suggestions to conserve water.
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Water
Consider the following ways to conserve water:
- Use toilet conversion kit to use less water (or a brick in the tank)
- Install water conserving showerheads
- Add aerators to kitchen and bathroom faucets
- Wash only full loads or use the smalled load size when washing clothes
- Use a rain barrel to water outdoor and indoor plants
![lemon clean](https://phg1b7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/lemon-300x222.jpg)
Indoor Air Quality
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that indoor air pollution can be up to eight times worse inside than outside.
Luckily, there are easy changes you can make to clear the air and potentially eliminate indoor air pollutants that have been linked to not only asthma attacks, but dizzy spells, obesity, and even worse, cancer.
Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality:
- Keep bathroom well ventilated and free of mold and mildrew
- Make sure attic space is properly ventilated
- Use dehumidifier in basements
- Use green friendly cleaning products
Drain cleaner: Lemon juice
Deodorizer: Corn starch or baking soda
All-Purpose cleaner: 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda, 2 teaspoons borax
![download (1) Green Living](https://phg1b7.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/download-1-200x181.jpg)
Tips for Appliances:
- Wash clothes in cold water
- Set refrigerator between 35-38 degrees
- Set freezer at 0-5 degrees
- Check the seal on refrigerators and freezers
- Turn off heat boot on dishwasher
- Clean coil on the refrigerator
- Change the furnace filter monthly
- Shrink wrap or use removable caulk on windows
- Install a programmable thermostat