Living in Chicago’s North Shore means being a part of communities that truly care about the environment in which we live. From Glencoe to Winnetka and Northbrook to Highland Park and Deerfield; these North Shore communities take time each year to host events, and offer ways to get involved in helping to protect the environment.As we’re in the middle of this season of giving with Christmas only a few days away; you may be thinking of ways to “give back” to the North Shore. One great idea is to recycle your Christmas tree! While you may not want to think about putting away your holiday cheer just yet; this service offered by many North Shore communities will gladly take your Christmas tree recycle it into mulch to be used around the city!
Looking for ways to go green in your North Shore home? Below are ways to “give back” by reducing your energy usage at home. While these may seem like small changes; they can produce big results! Not only will you save on your energy bill, you’ll enjoy knowing that you are doing your part in keeping your environment an eco-friendly place to live.
1. Set the Timer- Set your thermostat to lower temperatures while you’re away from your North Shore home or while you’re sleeping. This will automatically help reduce energy used as well as costs just by programming your thermostat.
2. Let the Sunshine In- During the day, be sure to leave blinds and curtains open to let in the sunlight and natural heat. At night, shut them to help “trap” the warmth.
3. Light a Fire- It’s amazing how a fire in your fireplace can heat up a room instantly! Consider lowering your thermostat on cooler evenings and lighting a fire instead. You’ll instantly feel cozier in the midst of Chicago’s chilly winters.
4. Bundle Up- Feeling chilled? Instead of turning up the thermostat, throw on a pair of socks or an extra layer. These small choices to not turn up the heat can really add up in energy savings!
5. Switch our Your Lights- From lamps to the Christmas tree, all of your lights can be changed out for energy efficient LED lights! With the sun setting earlier, you’ll be using your indoor lights more often. Also, the festivity of the season’s decorations can spike energy bill. LED Christmas lights can cut back on costs and energy usage.
6. Stop Leaks- Check all doors and windows for drafts. You can easily seal windows and doors to prevent the warm air from your North Shore home escaping while making sure the cool air doesn’t leak in!
7. Unplug- Not using an appliance? Unplug it! The Department of Energy notes that, even if appliances are not being used, they are still using energy. 40% of electricity used for your home electronics is used when they’re turned off, but still plugged in. Getting in the habit of unplugging will prove to be a smart habit in the long run!
I hope you can implement these tips or that they spark more ideas of ways you can reduce how much energy your North Shore home uses. I feel strongly that each of us can do our part, whether you’re a current North Shore resident or considering buying a home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Deerfield, Highland Park or Northbrook; we can all do our part to keep our environment healthy.
As you begin thinking about the start of a New Year, you may be considering selling or buying a home in the North Shore. If so, I would love to help you each step of the way! I have years of experience in the North Shore Real Estate market as a North Shore Real Estate agent, and can make the process as smooth and efficient as possible. Feel free to contact me anytime!
I appreciate your interest in my blog and my North Shore Real Estate services! 2010 was a great year and I’m expecting more great things for 2011!
Happy Holidays!
Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert
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