Written by Amber Reynolds, Former EAL Teacher and Member of the Environment Professional Learning Community
Are you going over the river and through the woods to grandma’s house this Christmas? Are you headed to the beautiful beaches of Thailand or another place near the equator, where you will find yourself in your second summer of the year? Or are you flying to your home country to be with your family at this special time of year?Are you ready for the long winter Holiday Break? I know I am ready to fly off to a far away land.We all may be ready for the long awaited break, but is your house or apartment environmentally ready for a break?
Here are some tips to consider before you go off on your long winter break:
Make meals with the food that is left in your refrigerator that may rot over the time that you are gone.- Turn your water heater temperature down. Turn the temperature down, but don’t shut the water heater off completely. There’s no need to have piping hot water available at the turn of a tap while you’re not there to enjoy it!
Turn off the water at each toilet, sink, dishwasher, and washing machine, or if possible, shut the water to the house off entirely.- Unplug any small appliances or electronic devices that don’t need to remain plugged in while you’re gone. This will save electricity and energy while you are out.
Put your lights on timers. This will give the illusion that the home is occupied, even if you’re many zip codes away. Then the lights will not need to be on all the time. Or shut the lights off completely.- Enjoy your holiday!
Wherever you go this holiday season, may you enjoy time with your family and be secure in knowing that your home is environmentally friendly, as you do your part to keep this planet.
GO GREEN! Happy Holidays.