Determining your own shoe size According to the Global Footprint Network, humanity’s overall ecological impact is 23 percent larger than what the planet can regenerate. Go to http://www.footprintnetwork.org to learn more about limiting your ecological footprint, and to take a quiz that determines your own personal ecological footprint. Afterwards, examine this Green Build checklist and see what steps you can take to make your own home more energy efficient – and your ecological footprint a little smaller. Laundry room:
_____ Vent clothes dryer directly outside. _____ Use a washer and dryer that are Energy Star-approved Hot water heater, central air system: _____ Install a programmable thermostat _____ Set thermostat 2 degrees cooler in the winter & 2 degrees hotter in the summer _____ Set water heater at 120 degrees or lower _____ Make sure water heater is tankless or solar _____ Make sure water heater is wrapped in an insulating blanket Bathroom: _____ Low-flow flapperless toilets _____ Low-flow faucets and showerhead _____ Ventilations fans Kitchen: _____ Low-flow faucets
_____ Ventilation fans
_____ Energy Star-approved stove, refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher Throughout house: _____ Energy Star-approved light fixtures _____ Compact fluorescent light bulbs
