“Green Living”

April 22nd is Earth Day, a reminder to take care of our Earth, so she can take care of us. What can you do? Here are 5 ways you can start to live green today:
1. Recycle. The city if Charlotte offers free curbside pickup. Visit http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Solid+Waste/CurbIt/Recycling/Home.htm for locations on where to pick up your red bin and what to put into it.
2. Change out those light bulbs. Energy efficient light bulbs use about 75% less energy than a standard bulb and last about 10 years longer.
3. Did you know it takes about 12 million barrels of oil and 14 million trees to produce the plastic and paper grocery bags Americans use each year? Purchase a 99 cent bag from your local grocery store and use every time you shop.
4. Turn down your heat and air conditioner 5 to 10 degrees at night. You could save up to 10% on your utility bill.
5. Set your water heater to 120 degrees and install low-flow shower heads. You can easily save 30 gallons of water per shower and $100 per year on your utility bill.