The world is going green. Faster in some places than others, but the trend is ever growing, and ever expanding.

At Mechanical Technologies we work diligently to do our part and help you do the same.

So from our “house” to yours, here are some green living, energy, and recycling tips we’re confident you will find helpful, easy to implement…and will make you feel good once you do.

Green Energy

Light Bulbs: By using CFL light bulbs you help save power at home and save money. These light bulbs have been designed to outlast conventional, energy churning light bulbs while using a lot less green house gases in the process. By spending a little more money today you can cut your energy bill in months to come.

Computer: If you are letting your computer run day and night for convenience reasons, think again. Failing to switch off your monitor after shutting down the computer will still use up precious power. Contribute by switching them off at home, and at work. If you don't use the computer, put it to sleep or, even better, switch it off.

TV: The same goes for your television. You wouldn't believe how much power is being used by your television over the span of a year if you consistently leave it running in stand-by mode. Learn to turn the TV off when not in use to save power.

Washing Machines: Instead of using pre-cycle washes and hot water, try to wash your clothes with cold water only. By using cold water specific washing powder you'll get the “clean” you want and save big time on your electricity bill.

Central Air Conditioning. The performance of your heating and cooling system is determined in a large part by your HVAC equipment’s operating efficiency. When shopping for a new or replacement system, pay close attention to each unit’s SEER rating. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and, very simply, the higher the rating, the less energy the system will use. You want a system with a SEER rating of at least 13, but some are available with ratings as high as 23!

Programmable Thermostats. The whole point of a programmable thermostat is to keep your home nice and cozy when you’re in, and not waste energy when you’re out. With more than one programmable thermostat, you can save even more money by keeping comfortable temperatures only in the rooms where you spend time.

Toilets. Older toilets use up to 5 gallons of water per flush. New toilets are required to use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush, and some go as low as 1.3 gallons per flush. And since toilets account for 26% of your annual water usage, converting to low-water consumptions toilets will save literally tons of water every year.

Hot Water Recirculation Pump. This small and easily attachable pump rapidly pulls hot water from a water heater while simultaneously sending cooled-off water from the hot water lines back to the water heater for reheating. In addition to the convenience of hot water on-demand, the pump conserves water and energy….high on everyone’s agenda these days.

Homemade Remedies. There are many problems and tasks that can be solved by using home remedies or other natural solutions. For example, stay away from detergents and other cleaners that contain harash chemicals. Also, make your yard a safer place by using natural pest remedies. Better yet, make your own cleaning products with simple ingredients you have lying around the house. For example, combine baking soda and vinegar, and flush with boiling water, for an effective drain cleaner; use lemon juice to remove mildew; and use corn starch to deodorize carpets.

Be Careful With Your Garbage. When throwing away garbage, know what is recyclable, consumable, and able to be composted. Also, when you purchase food or other items, be conscious as to how much waste it will produce. Separate your garbage, and be aware of what is toxic and should be disposed of with specific care. Here’s more:

1. Don't throw away toxic household waste, like paint, paint thinner, car oil, and the like; call your garbage service provider to see what should be done with these kinds of wastes.
2. Buy in bulk to avoid excess packaging.
   
3. Reduce paper. When printing, use both sides of a piece of paper in order to conserve. Keep a scrap paper pile for misprinted or unnecessary documents to either print on or write on.
4. Reduce your waste. Bring your own coffee cup or water bottle to avoid buying Styrofoam or paper cups and throwing them away every day. Also, help to create an easy-to-use recycling program for your company that everyone is educated on how it works.
5. Be conscious of your supplies. Some office supplies are better for the environment than others; for example, try to use paperclips rather than adhesive tape, and use crayons or colored pencils instead of solvent-based markers. Consider refillable pens and mechanical pencils rather than disposable ones.

1. Food. Buy organic meats, produce, dairy products, and eggs, and you'll be reducing the number of pesticides and genetically modified food that you eat. To make sure you're getting the best organic food, look for the USDA label that indicates the product is organic. Also, shop in the organic or health food section of the grocery store, or shop at a specialty or health food store.
2. Beauty Products. Many beauty products such as soap, lotion, shampoo/conditioner, and cosmetics are made with artificial fragrances and chemicals. Look for beauty products that are all-natural, made with herbal and flower extracts. Also look for beauty products that are packaged in recycled or recyclable containers, and that have not been tested on animals.
3. Clothes. Buy clothes made with natural fibers, such as cotton, hemp, and wool, and made with all-natural dyes (such as vegetable dyes or herbal dyes). By wearing all-natural clothes, you'll be helping the environment by avoiding cloth that required a lot of energy and waste to produce, and you'll be helping yourself by avoiding irritating and uncomfortable synthetic fibers and unhealthy chemical dyes.