There are plenty of things to keep in mind when getting ready for winter. Your home, car and property will all need some help to survive the season. With these winterizing tips, you can help the environment, as well as save yourself some money in the long run.
Inclement winter weather can bring severe snowstorms that often result in power outages. You can prevent waste by using rechargeable batteries rather than disposable. Though eventually they, too, will have to be replaced, you will save money and avoid additional waste that the disposable batteries bring with them. As with disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries should be recycled to avoid ending up in landfills. If you do use disposable batteries, purchase ones with low mercury levels.
Another alternative — and a tip that provides nutrients to your garden — is to save the ashes from your wood-burning fireplace in a fireproof container such as a tin box or bucket. The ashes collected throughout the winter can be mixed in your compost pile and will make for a very valuable addition to your garden.
An Energy Star qualified programmable thermostat will save energy and money this winter. When installed and used with the four preset settings, you can save about $100 every year while remaining comfortable. Before you depart for a long weekend or vacation, remember to turn down your thermostat (or use a programmable one) so that you don't waste natural resources by generating unnecessary heat.
Have your heating system serviced by a licensed contractor to be sure it is running efficiently. A routine checkup and regular maintenance will keep utility costs down. If your heating system is more than 10 years old, it may be time to replace it with an energy-efficient unit. Replacing your heating system can initially be an expensive investment, but Energy Star equipment saves you money over time.
Keeping a checklist on your vehicle is one way to stay safe on the road this winter. Monitoring your tires tread and air pressure is very important for the safety of your family and yourself. Also check your air filter and make sure it's clean to give your car a bit more pep. Fluid levels should be inspected to ensure your car runs smoothly. Make sure your windshield wipers are intact or replace them to allow for safer driving during severe weather situations. Following these guidelines will help reduce damage which, in turn, helps prevent waste from damaged parts and will keep you safe on the road.
Use a nontoxic de-icer on your walkway and driveway rather than chemicals. Many substitutions can be found at your fingertips, such as clean clay cat litter and sand. Chemical de-icers can be hazardous to your pets, trees and plants, and the environment. It can also pollute surface waters and groundwater through the soil.
As mentioned in October's "Going Green," we have to be aware of the underlying effects and act responsibly when issues could arise from our surface waters and groundwater, if contaminated.
An electric snow blower is an environmentally friendly alternative to think about purchasing versus a gasoline motorized machine. These electric products do consume energy ,but they do not give off greenhouse gases directly. They are equally as powerful and easier to start in freezing temperatures. Also use snow shovels and brooms to clear snow from your sidewalk, driveway and property.
As the holidays quickly approach and everyone bundles up for the cold months ahead, set some time aside to winterize your home, car and property. A green approach helps both the environment and your bottom dollar in the end.
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Bill Goss is the owner of Quality Systems Consulting Group in Amesbury. His website is www.merrimackvalleygreen.com. If you have any questions regarding Going Green, send them to merrimackvalleygreen@comcast.net and he will answer them in upcoming columns.
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