aFewSteps.org
  • About Us
  • Our Initiatives
    • Green Energy >
      • how to switch to green energy
    • Shade Trees
    • Waste Free Parties >
      • Dinner & BBQ
      • Block Parties
    • Walking School Buses
  • Green Tips of the Week
  • Recycling
  • Workshops
  • Contact Us

On Valentine’s Day, give potted plants instead of flowers.

1/30/2020

 
Picture
Flowers have to be thrown out after a few days and their production involves heavy chemical use (see this National Wildlife Federation article).  This Valentine’s Day, give a potted plant instead!  Live plants not only last longer, they have the added benefit of improving air quality.  Another option is potted herbs such as basil or rosemary, which can then be used to flavor that special Valentine meal!

Photo by Susan O'Donnell


Vinegar makes great non-toxic cleaner for your toilet bowl and seat

1/23/2020

 
Picture
Most mass-market cleaning products contain toxic chemicals that contaminate your air and can threaten your health.  (See Green Tip on vinegar and water as a cleaning solution, February 8, 2019). To protect the environment and save money, here is another use for vinegar as a non-toxic cleaner for your home from Greatist.com:

"For a heavy-duty toilet scrub that deodorizes while it cleans, pour ½ cup of baking soda and about 10 drops of tea tree essential oil into the toilet. Add ¼ cup of vinegar to the bowl and scrub away while the mixture fizzes.

For daily cleaning, fill a small spray bottle with vinegar (about 1 cup should do it) and a few drops of an essential oil of your choosing (lemon and tea tree both work well). Spray on the toilet seats, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe the surface clean."*

*Laura Newcomer, March 19, 2015. 27 Chemical-Free Recipes for DIY Spring Cleaning. https://greatist.com/health/27-chemical-free-products-diy-spring-cleaning

Photo by Susan O'Donnell



Replace disposable dryer sheets with reusable dryer balls

1/16/2020

 
Instead of disposable dryer sheets or liquid fabric softener, throw three or more wool dryer balls in with your laundry.  If you prefer to have the fragrance provided by your old dryer sheets, add a few drops of essential oil to the dryer balls and allow it to dry before tossing in with your laundry.  The balls work by keeping fabric from clumping in the dryer which helps air circulate more efficiently. They also hold onto heat which accelerates the drying process. This results in less time needed for drying, less static, and softer clothes.  The additional bonus is helping you reduce trash, cut down chemical use, cut out plastic bottles, and save energy!

Switch your electricity provider to one that generates from renewable sources

1/9/2020

 
Picture
Converting our energy sources to 100% renewable, sustainable energy is a critical step in achieving the Greenhouse Gas reductions necessary to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.  You can advance your community toward this goal by choosing an electricity provider that generates power from renewable sources.

photo by Zac Zac, Flickr

In the late 1990s, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) allowed for electric suppliers to compete in the market place, and some of those providers offer 100% renewable energy.  AFewSteps recommends two organizations, The Energy Co-op and Green Mountain Energy, which provide green energy (including locally sourced options) to the PECO territory.  You can find more information on these and other companies by going to www.papowerswitch.com, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s website providing information about the multiple electricity suppliers available in Pennsylvania.   Look for a plan without enrollment, cancellation, or monthly fees.  

 How do I sign up for green energy?   

The best way to sign up is by calling the supplier on their toll-free number.  Some suppliers also allow you to sign up online at their website, but there may be options not listed there.  You will need to have your PECO account number (at the top left of your bill) handy in order to authorize the transfer of service, and may have to verify your identity.  This is to protect you from unscrupulous operators. 
The Energy Co-op EcoChoice Pennsylvania  215-413-2122 
Green Mountain Energy Pollution Free™ Farm to Market 1-855-531-5066  

Will I get multiple bills?
No. PECO will still send one bill each month.  The gill will include the electricity generation charges from The Energy Co-op or Green Mountain Energy as well as PECO’s transmission charges.
Whom do I call if I have a problem?
PECO. PECO will still provide the electivity service to your home.
Will my service be affected?
No. You will still experience the same reliable service hat you have in the past.
Can I switch back?
Yes. You can switch back to PECO or another provider if you want.  Be sure to read the details of the contract given by the provider.


    Categories

    All
    Chemicals And Plastics
    Electricity
    Environmental Impacts
    Food
    Gasoline
    Health
    Heating Fuel
    Home Energy
    Lawn And Garden
    Outdoors
    Recycle
    Reduce Waste
    Reuse
    Toxins
    Transportation
    Waste And Recycling
    Water

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    September 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    November 2012
    July 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012

Donate
​About Us
Our Initiatives
Green Tips
Recycling
Workshops
Contact Us
​Mailing Address:
info@aFewSteps.org
P.O.Box 330
Wallingford PA 19086-0330
©2022 aFewSteps.org  |  All Rights Reserved.