Going green is more important now than ever before. Use the tips below to find out how you can go green at home, school or work.
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Use reusable shopping bags.
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Install energy efficiency measures throughout your home. See our rebate programs.
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Drink filtered tap water and use a recyclable water bottle.
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Compost your garbage; up to 60% of your waste is suitable for composting.
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Buy recycled products like paper, carpet, and tile.
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Install water efficient fixtures like faucets and toilets.
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Install weather based irrigation controllers and native plants in your yard.
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Eat and buy local! Try to purchase foods and products grown or produced within 100 miles of where you live. You can start at one of Riverside Farmer's Markets.
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Look for non-toxic cleaning products - it's better for your family and the environment.
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Choose water based latex paints over solvent based paints when painting your home. Never use lead based paints.
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Reduce, recycle, reuse.
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If you have a furnace, fireplace or gas heater, have them serviced regularly to prevent deadly fumes and install a carbon monoxide detector.
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Ensure you have good ventilation and balanced humidity in your home to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can be harmful to your health.
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Make sure to recycle all electronics and batteries. You can check the CURE website for the nearest household hazardous waste drop off location.
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Shade your air conditioning condenser, but be careful not to block the flow of air to the unit.
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Use heat-producing appliances like dishwashers, clothes dryers, and irons in the morning or after 8pm.
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Replace or clean air conditioning filters monthly or as needed to keep your system working optimally.
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Set your thermostat to 78° on hot days, and 84° on days over 100°. Use room fans to feel even cooler.
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Wash full loads in your dishwasher to conserve water.
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Keep drapes, blinds and shades closed to keep the sun’s rays out of your home in warm weather.
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Turn lights off in rooms that aren’t being used.
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Set swimming pool filtering and sweeping equipment timers to avoid peak use hours from noon to 8pm.
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Conserve water by spreading mulch around plants and trees.