Going Green

Home Properties is committed to caring for the environment in our apartments, townhomes, and offices, and we hope you’ll join us in these efforts.  We offer these suggestions for protecting the environment:

• Heating & Cooling
  • In the winter, open drapes/blinds during the day to let the sun in.  At night, close them to keep the heat in.
  • In the summer, close drapes/blinds to block the sun and heat.
  • Where available, use the “Auto” setting on your thermostat, rather than “Fan On,” so the fan only runs when needed.

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• Lighting
  • Replace standard bulbs in your lamps with compact fluorescent bulbs–they last longer and use less energy.
  • Position lamps so you do not need to light the entire room for specific tasks.
    For example, place a reading lamp next to your chair.
  • Use timers to control lighting, and turn off the lights when you leave the room.

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• In the Kitchen
  • Never thaw foods under running water; to thaw quickly, use the microwave. 
  • Only run full loads in the dishwasher, and use the “Air Dry/Energy Saver” option if available.

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• Water
  • If you have a faucet that drips or a toilet that runs, call the office so our service team can repair it.
  • Wash clothes in cold or warm water, and only wash full loads, or use the water level adjustments on your machine.

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• On the Road
  • Consider driving less, especially during high traffic times or on hot days. Use public transportation, carpool, or ride a bicycle.
  • Get regular engine tune-ups and maintenance checks, and replace your car’s air filter and oil regularly.
  • Read your owner's manual for recommendations on maximizing economic efficiency.

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• Handling and Disposing of Fluorescent Bulbs
  • Household hazardous waste collection facilities usually accept burned-out compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).  To find a facility in your area, visit the Environmental Protection Agency website or Earth911.org.
  • The Home Depot and Lowe’s also offer free in-store CFL recycling at all of their stores.
  • If there are no collection facilities in your area, individuals can contact their state or local environmental regulatory agency for information on proper disposal options including disposal in your household garbage.
  • The EPA notes that when disposing of CFLs in household garbage, place the light bulb in two plastic bags and seal it before placing it into an outside trash location.

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• Recycling
  Recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees, two barrels of oil (enough to run the average car for 1,260 miles), 4,100 kilowatts of energy (enough power for the average home for six months), 3.2 cubic yards of landfill space, and 60 pounds of pollution.

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For additional resources on protecting the environment, visit the EPA for Concerned Citizens page. You can learn how to purchase greener products, or find local environmental programs in your community.