Repairing Our World

A quick guide to preserving the environment, and your bank account, through maintenance of your living space.

Around the House

• Replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents can save you $30 on lighting costs over the life of the bulb

• Install low flow showerheads. You can save between 10% to 15% in water heating costs

• Install Low Flow Toilets: These can save up to 3.5 gallons of water per flush!

• Donate unwanted belongings, outdated appliances, or cabinets to those in need instead of filling up a landfill. Plus, you can get a tax write-off for your donation

Plumbing Repair

Sometimes the smallest things can have a big impact

A leaky faucet, dripping once every couple of seconds, can waste over 1000 gallons of water a year

It’s also easy to check your home for leaks in other places:

1) Turn off all your water using appliances2) Check your water meter dial3) Check back in 15 minutes4) If your dial has moved, you may have a

leak!

Do it yourself faucet repair guide:http://bit.ly/hcMr6b

Repairing leaks in plumbing responsible for wasting 212 gallons of water monthly is great for you, and the environment!

Car Repair & MaintenancePoor tire pressure can very quickly ruin your fuel efficiency, and it’s quick and easy to check

A basic tire gauge runs about $4.00, and can end up saving you hundreds on gas

=It adds

up!

Tune up

Get the tires

rotated

Have the belts

replaced

Get an oil

change

Growing Your CommunityGet involved in community beautification projects created by organizations like GreenNYCHA and Green Home NYC, or start your own!

If you live in an apartment or apartment complex, petition your landlord to install and upgrade to energy saving systems, like insulating roof materials and weather stripping

New York’s biggest landlord, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), is stepping up repairs that should help reduce the city’s carbon footprint. This is in large part because of community members advocating for better service

Massachusetts schools invested $300 million to upgrade roofs, boilers, and windows last year. Community members, working with administrators, can have a great influence

Resources

• http://greenhomenyc.org/

• http://www.mrhandyman.com/home-repair-tips/go-green.aspx

• http://greennycha.org/

• http://summer0rain.wordpress.com/2007/09/10/21-ways-to-make-your-home-environmentally-friendly/

• http://www.eastharlemjournal.com/tax-payers-dollars-hard-at-work-in-nycha-hopefully/

• http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/plumbing/how-to-do-faucet-repairs.htm

• http://www.massschoolbuildings.org/sites/default/files/edit-contentfile/Build%20With%20Us/Prerequisites/Green%20Repair%20Program/Green_Repair_Program_Description_2_24_11.pdf