Live Sustainably: At Home
Simple ways you can reduce your environmental impact at home.
Review, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
While the "Three Rs" (reduce, reuse, recycle) have been around for a while, we advocate for fourth one—Review. Before you can make any kind of difference, you need to take stock of your own consumption. Get to know the "Four Rs" >
Make the Switch to Green Electricity
Did you know that electricity production makes up a third of your carbon footprint? You can help change that. Mass Audubon has teamed up with Green Energy Consumers Alliance to Make the Switch to green electricity, and we are encouraging others to do the same—it’s easier than you think! Find out how >
Eat Less Beef
Meat, especially beef, takes an enormous toll on the environment and results in more carbon emissions than other foods. Here's how you can help >
Buy Local, Eat Local
Grow your own produce, shop at farmer markets, or join a community-supported agriculture program (CSA). Mass Audubon has two official CSAs—Drumlin Farm in Lincoln and Moose Hill Community Farm in Sharon. Find out what makes them unique >
Get an Energy Audit
An energy audit can help you pinpoint air gaps from windows, doors, and foundations, and prioritize the most cost-effective energy-efficient improvements to make. Conserving energy will reduce CO2 emissions and save you money. Contact your utility company or Mass Save to find out if you are eligible for a no-cost energy assessment.
Buy Energy Efficient Appliances
An Energy Star appliance—washers, refrigerators, and dishwashers—costs more initially, but you'll pay less over its lifetime in reduced energy costs. Many utility companies give rebates to help offset the initial extra cost.
Use Better Bulbs
Light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs save energy and money. Each LED uses 75 percent less energy than a conventional incandescent bulb, lasts up to 25 times longer, and saves more than $150 per bulb in energy costs over its lifetime, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. LED bulbs are also more energy efficient and longer-lasting than compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. LED or not, be sure to turn off the lights when you leave the room.
Be Water Wise
The energy used to heat or pump water releases carbon dioxide into the air. Wash clothes in cold water. Set your mower at its highest setting to keep your lawn green with minimal or no watering during the summer. Install water efficient toilets, shower heads, and fixtures. Conserving water also helps to protect our aquatic habitats, which are often stressed by water withdrawals. Carry a water bottle and limit your use of single service bottled beverages. Learn More >
Cell phone chargers, microwaves, digital clocks, DVD players, televisions and other electronic items continue consuming energy when left plugged in. Unplug them when not in use or purchase a energy efficient power strip that eliminates "phantom energy."