COOPERATE
Similar to the credit union movement, the success of the environmental movement is based on a cooperative spirit - when people come together and contribute for the common good, we can effect change for each individual, for the whole, and for future generations as well.
We invite you to consider some or all of the following sustainable green practices:
The Three R's
“Reduce – Reuse – Recycle,” are the 3 R's of green living. Although research reveals recycling is on the rise, Americans still recycle only a third of the waste produced. While recycling is good for the planet, the process still consumes precious resources. This is why Reduce, Reuse and Recycle are listed in order of importance: reducing waste and reusing the things you can will make an even bigger impact than recycling alone.
Change a Light Bulb
Lighting accounts for 20% of the average home's electric bill. By switching the light bulbs in your home from standard incandescent bulbs to Energy Star qualified Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs), you can save both the environment and money! Each CFL bulb prevents more than 450 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions and can save $30 or more in energy costs during its lifetime. Changing the five most used lights in your home can save approximately $60 a year.
Unplug Appliances and Electronics
Home electronics that enter an “energy-saving” sleep or standby mode actually continue to draw power, as do items that use any type of AC adaptor when plugged in. When not in use, unplug these items or use a “smart” power strip or one that can be unplugged at night.
Redesign/Remodel/Redecorate for Easier Cleaning
By carefully considering the design, decoration and furnishings of your home or business, you can create a layout that will be easier to clean. Avoid creating hard-to-reach areas and too many different surfaces, resulting in the need for multiple cleaning products. Cleaning your home will take less time, cost less and require fewer potentially toxic cleaning supplies. Adding more plants to your home will not only result in a “greener” look, but will improve air quality by filtering many harmful chemicals from the air.
Conduct an Energy Audit
Evaluate your home for drafts under doors and windows, identify spots where more sunlight can be added, replace older windows with new energy-efficient options and/or look to add or improve insulation to your walls or water heater. You can save energy and money on your utility bill!
Clean with Green
As more retailers recognize the demand for environmentally sensitive cleaning products, it is becoming easier and more affordable to replace toxic cleaners in your house with non-toxic, biodegradable alternatives.
Make Your Own Cleaning Products
It's easy to take “green-cleaning” one step further by making your own cleaning products from the items you have around your house. Two of the most powerful natural cleaners can be found in your own home – vinegar and baking soda. Household Cleaners form the Green Guide.
Compost or Reuse Waste Material
Common organic household items such as orange peels and coffee grinds can be reused or composted. Orange peels contain natural, flammable oils that can be used to start a fire, rather than newspaper. They can also be used to repel mosquitoes and, when mixed with coffee grounds, can be spread in flowerbeds to prevent felines from marking their territory.
Reduce Paper Waste
Reduce the amount of paper you use at home and work. We can get you started toward a paperless lifestyle with our simple and convenient, time-saving RCU green products and services including our home banking, bill pay, Visa debit card, and eStatements. Eliminate writing checks, receiving paper statements and writing bills — it's good for the environment, more secure and will save you time and money. If you do need to use paper, make sure to print on recycled paper with a high percentage of post-consumer content. You can also reduce your use even further by purchasing a printer that prints on both sides of the paper.
Pack Your Lunch Wisely
Instead of buying a microwave lunch in its own packaging, bring your own lunch to work or school in a reusable container. You can also pack a cloth napkin and flatware that can be washed and reused. If you do plan to go out for lunch, find people to carpool with. Or if you are ordering in, find others who do the same and place your orders together so that only one delivery has to be made.
Shop Locally
Buying products and services produced locally, such as food and clothing, not only helps the local community and economy, but also reduces carbon emissions because you are selecting goods that traveled the shortest distance to be delivered.
Reduce and Recycle Packaging
Reduce waste and conserve energy by purchasing products that use minimal packaging. The same goes for sending out packages and gifts. If you still have bubble wrap and/or foam packing “peanuts” left over from the holidays, reuse them when you send a gift or package your own, or contact a local mail business, such as UPS. Many of these businesses will take these items off your hands, as some of them meet over 50% of packing-fill needs from “peanut” donations.
Smart Disposal
Donate unwanted clothing, toys, furniture, books and other useful items to local charities and thrift stores, rather than throwing them away. Also, items such as cleaning products, batteries, oil, paint and electronics, should be handled differently than normal trash. Contact your local government offices to find out where to dispose of such items.
