Go Green Tips: 6 Special Steps, That's All You Need

By: Christine Toorinjian

               This week, I want to talk about 6 special steps that will very much end up making you have a greener lifestyle and a huge change in Hawaii's homes and environment. With about an  estimated 1,340,674 residents living on Hawaii, have you ever thought about the amount of energy that you used, or the amount of water that you used? Well, if you’re a part of the 1,340,674 residents, (and you are), I think that contribution should be VERY little. And hey, small isn't so bad. Don't you like little amounts of zeroes on your bills? Don't you like very little messes to clean up when you come home? If you say no, I know you’re lying. Anyways, here are your 6 special steps.

            Step #1: Have a home energy makeover. For example, use an energy monitor that tells you in real time how much electricity your gadgets, (phones, compuers, tablets, etc.), or plant trees to shade your home. With these renovations (and still yet tons more!), you'll be leading a greener life in no time!

            Step #2: Input a solar water heater. By doing this, you may qualify for a 35% state tax credit AND a 30% federal tax credit. I don't have to pay taxes quite yet, but this sounds pretty good to me!

            Step #3: Read! There are MANY other sites to tell you how to stay green besides us! BUT of course, we would like you guys to keep on visiting us. For example, heco.com. They also have booklets such as "Power to Save" and "Power to Save for Small Businesses".

            Step #4: Click greenhomeguide.com. This particular website is run by the nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council, and is a handy guide when you’re ready to remodel your house!

            Step #5: Re-read! Remember all those things that I've told you in other blogs in the past? Well make sure you did them! You could even make a checklist of all the tips I've given you and check off each of the ones that you did and see that you so the ones that you haven't yet!

            Step #6: Get children involved! Starting a green lifestyle is never too early, or too late, to educate yourself on. Just think of all the energy you'll save, and the money, once you see the T.V. going off, and the homework getting done.

            So those are the 6 special steps! Now all you have to do is go out there and DO THEM!