Leave the footprints for walking.

Do you know what your carbon footprint is? or what a carbon footprint is at all? If you don't, no need to fret. A carbon footprint is just the amount of carbon ( CO2) that a person creates. So, the more you fly, drive and so on, the larger your carbon footprint may be.
Now instead of simply cutting back on life's luxuries, there is a new way to combat your footprint. And it can be as simple as replacing every 4th Sunday drive with a family outing to plant trees. Just one more way to give back without losing life's luxuries.

Turn off the Lights!

It may seem a little obvious, but turn off the lights when you're not going to stay in the room. Lights can account for up to 15% of the electricty consumption of the house...and in the summer, keeping the lights off can help keep your house cooler, especially if you are still using incandescent light bulbs...So, now go tell your mom she was right...Turn off the lights in your room!

To Use or Not to Use A/C in the Car...That is the Question

I read something this morning, which surprised me, but made a lot of sense...Rolling down the windows in your car instead of turning on the A/C seems like a good idea and well-intentioned from an eco-friendly aspect...However, rolling down the windows reduces the fuel efficiency of your car up to 20%...So it was suggested to roll up the windows, turn on the A/C and enjoy...Feel comfortable about feeling comfortable! I like this idea!

Recycling for Our Schools

If you've ever driven by a school in the Coeur d'Alene School District #271, you've probably noticed the green recycling bins in the parking lots...That's not just for decoration or community convenience, it's actually an opportunity to raise money for our schools...So next time you think about tossing a pop can, your newspaper or cardboard in the trash, consider setting it aside and taking it to your neighborhood school...It's a great way to support the schools while doing something good for the environment...and it feels good too!

That New-House Smell...mm mm good...NOT!

Have you ever walked into a new home and thought yourself, boy I love that new-house smell? I know I have, but guess what...That smell is from the VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds found in many new products...It's the bad stuff...Yuck! So if you build new or renovate your existing home, remember to ask for products with low VOCs...you and your family will appreicate breathing the healthier air...