SUSTAINABILITY TIPS

Sustainability Tip No. 1: Heating and cooling account for about 56 percent of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense for most homes. Don't wait until the first cold snap to hit to make sure your furnace is ready for the coming winter. Keep your furnace well maintained and change or clean furnace filters every couple of months. Regular maintenance along with periodic checkups by a licensed heating professional is essential for continued safe and efficient operation of your furnace.

Sustainability Tip No. 2: Since 2003, bottled water has grown to become the second largest commercial beverage category by volume. While the benefits of drinking water are undeniable, experts are only now adding up the impact of all those billions of plastic water bottles on the environment, from the energy used in production to the cost of transportation and the handling of plastic waste.

Fact: Last year, the average American used 167 water bottles, but only recycled 38.

Fact: More than 60 million plastic water bottles are thrown away every day in the United States. This is a growing problem-it takes up to 1,000 years for disposable water bottles to decompose.

Please consider using a reusable container for water. If you must use bottled water be sure to recycle it.

Sustainability Tip No. 3: reduce your plastic bag consumption

The average American household accumulates more than 1,500 plastic shopping bags annually. The following suggestions will help you reduce your plastic bag consumption. Start by using reusable shopping bags. Find the right style and design to suit your needs. Keep the bags in a handy place so you have them when you need them. Ask yourself if you really need a bag; if you don't need one, don't take one. Open your eyes to how many bags are consumed around you and be proud of your efforts to reduce consumption.

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