Make Your NYC Home Green This Winter
Green living is becoming more of a priority in New York. New York green energy requirements aim to make our grid zero-emission by 2040. This winter, you can bring green living home to your New York City apartment. Even if you live in an older building with centralized hot water and steam heat systems, there is still a lot you can do. Check out these nine ways to green up your New York City home.
Green Up by Reducing Energy Use
Our first five tips focus on cutting back on everyday energy use. These pointers can even help you save money on your electric bill.
- Appliances: switching to Energy Star appliances can have a huge impact on your energy use. An Energy Star fridge is up to 15% more efficient than new standard models. Similarly, an Energy Star dishwasher saves 1,900 gallons of water in its lifetime compared to new standard models.
- Lights: LED lightbulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent and last 25 times longer, according to the US Energy Department. Lighting is likely only a small percentage of the energy you use, but it all adds up!
- Low Flow: install low flow shower heads and even a toilet if you can. According to the EPA, low flow shower heads save a half gallon of water for every minute of shower time. Similarly, low flow toilets use 20% less water.
- More Cold Water: washing clothes in cold water is an easy switch that packs a punch. In fact, up to 90% of the energy used in washing clothes is to heat water.
- Less Hot Water: in addition to cold water for laundry, cut back on hot water elsewhere for more energy savings. For example, take shorter showers and install efficient appliances. If you wash dishes by hand, fill the sink with warm soapy water rather than running the hot water constantly.
Green Up Your New York Home by Reducing Waste
Next up, we have great tips to help you cut back on waste.
- Plastic: cut back on single use products, especially plastics. Carry reusable utensils when you go out, shop zero-waste stores and products, pickup takeout food and drinks with reusable containers, and get reusable shopping bags.
- Eat Local: eat at restaurants with locally sourced food and shop at NYC farmer’s markets. This reduces the carbon footprint of your food because it isn’t shipped long distances.
- Compost: After you’re done with your locally sourced meal, reduce your food waste by composting. You can also save food scraps in the freezer to create your own stock for soups and stews.
Bonus Tip to Green Life in New York
Finally, check out this bonus tip.
- Transportation: choose transportation that uses the least energy. Walking and biking top the list, but the subway and bus are also good choices. According to the transportation department, a diesel-powered bus only 25% full has 33% less emissions than a car per passenger. A full bus has 82% lower emissions. Subway travel can be even lower.
For more green living tips and electricity news in New York, visit us at https://www.nyenergyratings.com.