Green Living
Cleaning House
New research shows that making a few simple changes at home can have a big impact on the environment.

If Americans across the country were to adopt 17 types of action at home, it could save an estimated 123 million metric tons of carbon after a decade, researchers report in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. That’s a huge potential impact—7.4 percent of U.S. nationalemissions. The best part? The authors say making the changes would require “little or no reduction in household well-being.”

Here’s a breakdown of the 17 actions, divided into five categories.

Weatherization
- Weatherize your house with attic insulation, by sealing drafts, and by installing high-efficiency windows.
- Replace inefficient home heating, ventilating, and central air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment.

Equipment
- Swap out your old showerhead for a low-flow version.
- Install an efficient water heater.
- Purchase energy-efficient appliances when replacing older ones.
- Equip your car with low rolling resistance tires.
- When it comes time to buy a new car, purchase one that’s fuel-efficient.

Maintenance
- Change HVAC air filters.
- Tune up air conditioners.
- Practice routine auto maintenance.

Adjustments
- Lower the temperature you use to wash and dry clothes.
- Reduce water-heater temperature (the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting the dial at 120 degrees Fahrenheit).
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Daily behaviors
- Eliminate standby electricity by, for instance, using smart power strips.
- Lower the thermostat.
- Line-dry clothes.
- Alter your driving behavior (accelerate more slowly, drive 55 mph on the highway, and reduce idling in non-traffic situations).
- Carpool and bundle errands to reduce trips in the car.

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