Earth Day Tips from EcoUrban

	Use a programmable thermostat Turning down the heat to 68 degrees in the winter can save 5% to 10% on heating bills, and even more when you turn it down when you sleep or are away from home. And in all EcoUrban —like the Solstice—your home is built with rigid foam insulation and great low-e windows—keeping the money you spend heating your home, in your home.
	Carpool twice a week Leaving your car at home twice a week can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 1,600 pounds per year. And if an electric car is more your style, know that all EcoUrban garages come with electric car outlets.
	Wrap your water heater The $10 cost of a simple water heater jacket can save you up to 9% in water heating costs. And with EcoUrban homes our standard water heaters are built with foamed-in-placed, HCFC-free insulation, so the work is already done for you.
	Install CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lights) They use less energy than incandescent bulbs, and one $10 bulb can save you $40 over its lifetime.
	Unplug appliances Even when turned off, appliances still consume electricity when they are plugged in. All EcoUrban home designs are designed for your land to optimize natural light using solar orientation and thoughtful architectural design, reducing your need for things that are plugged in even more as you enjoy the outdoors.
	Assess your home’s energy efficiency Complete a simple assessment to determine your home’s annual energy use compared to similar homes. Get started here or rest assured that your EcoUrban home is designed and built to be energy-efficient thanks to an efficient building envelope, double-paned windows and ENERGY STAR appliances.
	Shower smarter The average shower head disperses 2.5 gallons of water per minute. A ten minute shower every morning uses over 9,000 gallons of water a year. Cut back by installing a shower head that is EPA approved. And with all EcoUrban homes low flow fixtures are used throughout the home that meet EPA Water Sense guidelines. You even have the option to add rain water catchment systems to your home.
	Set up a home recycling center Recycling is an important way for individuals to reduce the waste they generate and reduce the negative impact of that waste. Not only does recycling reduce landfill overflow and reduce greenhouse gas methane it also has immediate short term benefits. All EcoUrban homes are built with recycled materials from their steel frames to countertop and flooring options.
	Give up plastic and paper bags Twelve million barrels of oil were used to make the 88.5 billion plastic bags consumed in the United States last year. It takes four times more energy to make paper bags! Invest in reusable shopping bags made of cotton, nylon, or durable mesh bags. EcoUrban cares about the environment as much as you do, and all our homes are designed and built to create a healthy indoor living environment for you and your family.