Sustainability Site

Sustainability

Living Green

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Living green means making choices in our day-to-day lives that enhance, rather than just reduce, our impact on the environment, and that move us in the direction of a sustainable lifestyle—one that is ecologically sound, economically viable, socially just, and humane. A sustainable lifestyle fits with the cycles of nature, has a sound economic base, and respects human, animal and plant life. Impacts of that lifestyle do not compromise the ability of future generations to lead a healthy, quality life. These practices can save us money and time while improving our health and overall quality of life.

Reduce Water Consumption

Throughout the house - In the bathroom, in the kitchen, in the shower, in the laundry room, in the driveway and yard.

Reduce Energy Consumption

In home heating and cooling - Water heating system, kitchen, laundry appliances and lighting.

Purchasing Choices

Buying for the Environment - Use sustainably-harvested timber products, buy tree-free paper made from grass, straw or other fibers to protect forests and prevent field-burning.

Protect and Preserve

Protect and Preserve natural habitats for all wildlife and especially endangered species. Don't use fertilizers and pesticides on your lawn. Don't pour anything down storm drains. Reduce the amount of paper you use, reuse single-sided paper and print double-sided. Track the environmental and financial savings from your energy and resource conservation. Limit travel as much as possible, skip "one trip" per week, travel by mass transit.