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| Although it may seem counterintuitive, living in dense, urban cities is one of the best ways to help the environment. Our reliance on mass transit and smaller living spaces have made New York the most energy-efficient city in the United States. |
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| Dig out those old utility bills and familiarize yourself with how much energy you use each month. Understand which appliances can be replaced with Energy Star-labeled models and which you can unplug when they're not in use. (If you unplug all your electronic equipment that uses energy even when it's turned "off" - like your VCR, TV, and cell phone charger – you could cut your monthly energy bill by 30%.) Also, make sure to turn off lights when they're not in use. |
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| Here's a simple rule: If it's poisonous, carcinogenic, triggers asthma or damages your nervous system, you probably don't want it in your building. And yet most of the products we use to build and maintain our buildings – including paints, cleaners, insulation, cabinetry, and carpets – contain these toxins. Look for non-toxic cleaning products and carpets and paints with no or low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). |
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| CFL light bulbs last six times longer and use four to five times less energy. Appliances marked with the yellow "Energy Star" logo use less energy than standard appliances, which will save money on your electric bill. |
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| Search for products that state the percentage of post-consumer recycled content. Although most people are familiar with recycled paper and plastics, you can also get recycled wood, tiles, countertops, carpet, and insulation. |
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| You can control the temperature in your living space by installing low cost, easy-to-use thermostats and automatic radiator controls that will save energy and increase comfort. Insulate your windows by installing storm windows, which will reduce drafts and lower your energy bills. |
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| Schedule a building energy audit from a qualified firm. Auditors can pinpoint places where energy is being wasted, helping you dramatically reduce energy consumption and expenditures with a few simple adjustments. |
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| You can sign up to purchase "green power"-electricity made from in-state wind and small, low-impact hydro in New York City. That means that city residents now have a low-cost, no-hassle renewable energy option. |
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| New York City has restored full recycling and your building is required to provide the appropriate bins. If you don't have bins, ask your super or call your building management company. If you own the building, enhance recycling and clean trash areas and create reuse opportunities. |
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| Grass, bushes, trees and flowers help filter
the air and the noise, reduce the summer heat, and clean the water.
By absorbing rain and preventing storm-water run-off, vegetation helps
prevent flooding and the contamination of our waterways. Volunteer
to plant trees and work with your block association to create more
green space in your neighborhood. |
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Build an environmentally friendly building: http://www.nyc.gov/html/ddc/html/ddcgreen/ Save water: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/hcisw.html Plant a tree: http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/trees_greenstreets/ny_trust.html Reduce your carbon footprint: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/individual.html Take public transportation: http://www.mta.info/ Switch to alternative fuels: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/news/lowsulfur.html |
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