

Here are 10 easy ways to make this Halloween eery and eco-friendly:
1. Hand out organic goodies
2. Use LED or solar-powered lights for trick-or-treaters to find their way
3. Host a costume swap
4. Use household items for a candy carrier (pillowcases hold more than those plastic pumpkins anyway)
5. Google fun ideas for DIY Halloween decorations
6. Sweep the sidewalk to move those leaves - don't break out the blower
7. Don't toss the pumpkin seeds - you can always toast them for snacks
8. Offer recycling bins and dinnerware made from recycled materials if you host a party
9. Walk the neighborhood instead of driving to another location to trick or treat
10. Donate your costume on November 1st
Is it something you could do? Most of us probably couldn't, but watch the video to see what it is.
1. Raise your thermostat to 78º. This is the number one way to conserve energy.
2. When you are away from home for more than eight hours, raise the thermostat setting and you can expect to see a 1% savings for each degree of setback. This will reduce the amount of energy used to cool your home while you’re away.
3. Keep shades closed when the air conditioner is on. Sunny windows account for 40 percent of unwanted heat and can make your air conditioner work two to three times harder.
4. Check and clean filters. Cleaning and replacing air conditioning filters monthly allows the system to run more efficiently.
5. Install ceiling fans. Don’t underestimate the importance of ceiling fans. Moving air over the body provides a cooling effect. The use of ceiling fans can mean savings of around 25% on cooling costs and can make the temperature seem 10 degrees cooler.
Several companies this year are bucking the trend and allowing their employees to come to work in shorts. As employees dress down, the thermostat goes up and everyone still stays comfortable. Not only does this save money on their energy bills, but it’s good for the environment too.
Retailers are offering business attire that includes suits paired with shorts, and shorts that more resemble slacks except in length. Bermudas, khakis, and capris are generally good options as well.
Some companies also tout the added bonus of creating a relaxed work environment, although others say this could lead to abuse of the shorts policy by employees who go too short or too grubby. By keeping a professional attitude, perhaps your company could be convinced to go short and go green!
Hey...it's worth a shot anyway. :)
What would summer be without barbecues, picnics, and spur-of-the-moment meals eaten outdoors?
Take the "heat" out of summer cooking with these simple ideas: