Each of us falls somewhere on the "green scale," one being the 'earth first at all costs' and ten being the ultimate consumer. Yet, our individual habits and choices say something about our relationship to the environment and its resources. Where one may be on that continuum can change; education and growing awareness can have significant impact on our attitude and behavior.

At Habitat for Humanity of Kent County, we have made a commitment to building all 100% LEED for Homes Certified new and "total gut" rehabbed homes. Step two in this process is building sustainable practices into our daily living. We encourage you to check out the "green meter" below, think about where you fit on the pendulum, and see how easy it is to make sustainable practices apart of your household and daily living...

1. Recycle paper, aluminum, glass, plastic, batteries, food scraps, used clothes, appliances, furniture, building supplies.
    

2. Reduce use of materials by using recycled paper and printer cartridges; stop junk mail.
    

3. Repair and reuse broken appliances, household items, automobiles.
    

4. Be energy efficient by using electricity sparingly, unplugging appliances, shutting off lights, sealing drafty windows, turning down the thermostat at night in the winter, turning down heat while on vacation, reducing water consumption, turning down the water heater, using a fan instead of the air conditioner, using a clothes line instead of the dryer, using EnergyStar appliances, using solar technology. Does your home look like these on a cold morning with frost on the ground? If so, try this or seek help!
    

5. Reduce pollution by disposing of toxic materials properly, using phosphate-free products, limiting use of pesticides, cleaning with natural products, avoiding asbestos and formaldehyde products.
    

6. Shop with reusable bags, buy durable products, limit use of disposable products, decline excess packaging and bags, buy goods from recycled materials or natural fibers, read labels and check for the EnergyStar rating, avoid toxic products or those with chemical additives.
    

7. Eat more organic foods and support local farmers with lower "food miles" to market.
    

8. Plant a garden, use drought resistant and native plants, set up a rain barrel, plant trees and shrubs to insulate home.
    

9. Monitor auto usage, carpooling, walking or riding bicycle when possible, taking public transportation, combining or eliminating unnecessary trips, using a high gas mileage or hybrid vehicle, keeping car tuned and tires pumped, recycling motor oil and tires.
    

10. Practice green principles at work by reducing printed materials, storing key information electronically, printing double-sided, using recycled paper and ink, avoiding disposable paper products.