Celebrate Earth Day

Try these tips for celebrating Earth Day with your family, friends and coworkers!

• Take advantage of EPA resources for students and teachers and the office.
• If you don't already, carpool, use public transportation or bike to work or school.
• Take your own bags to the grocery store, mall and anywhere else you shop.
• Resolve to grow at least one food item and purchase some seeds.  Gardening can happen anywhere from kitchen windows to patios, so choose what's right for you.  Make a list of area farmer's markets and if you don't grow it, buy it locally.
• Attend an Earth Day Event.  Click here for events at Green by Design or look for other ideas.
• Try a craft project utilizing recycled materials.
• Introduce your kids to the Environmental Kids Club and Planet Protectors Club.
• Take a walk and appreciate the beauty of nature.  Bring a bag along and pick up trash and recyclables while getting some exercise.
• Make donation to a local environmental club or group.
• Organize a corporate trash pick up day, recycling event or environmental education session.

• Ask about the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ration (or SEER). This is a cooling efficiency rating for air conditioners.  The higher the SEER number, the better energy performance the product has.
• Make sure that a design calculation is done for your home so any new equipment is properly sized.  The most efficient equipment can waste energy if it isn't properly sized.
• Look for equipment that uses R410A refrigerant.  If your system ever leaks, R410A refrigerant won't contribute to ozone depletion like R22 refrigerant.
• High efficiency air conditioners may qualify for a federal tax credit.  Click here for more information on efficiency requirements.

Once your cooling system has been installed, or if you're trying to keep your current system operating as efficiently as possible, follow these tips.

• Check your filter each month and change as necessary.  Dirty filters impede air flow and can cause systems to shut down.  The most efficient air conditioner won't run at its best with a clogged, dirty filter.
• Keeping your air conditioner well maintained will help ensure it performs at top efficiency.  Check out the EPA's recommendations on seasonal maintenance.