Gone Green?

Getting into eco-friendly habits will not only benefit the environment, but will also have a significant impact on your pocketbook.  Perhaps your carbon footprint is bigger than the North Pole and you aren’t quite sure where to begin. Whatever the case is, here are five easy ways to whip yourself into eco “friendlier” shape:

Say goodbye to bottled water

Did you know that the EPA’s standards for tap water are stricter than the FDA’s standards for bottled water?  This means that the water coming out of your kitchen faucet could actually be healthier for you than that 7th bottle of water you’re about to chug today.  Also, not as many people recycle plastic water bottles as you may assume– only about 10% actually make it into recycling bins. If you want to shrink your carbon footprint, start by purchasing a reusable water container. Then, turn on the kitchen faucet and fill ‘er up! Repeat as necessary.

For the last time…turn off the lights!

Incandescent bulbs should be turned off whenever you leave a room.  Fluorescent bulbs, on the other hand, decrease operating time based on the number of times they are switched on and off. Because of this, experts say to wait 15 minutes before you turn them off.  Following these simple rules will help you save on the bulbs themselves, along with cooling costs (as lights emit quite a bit of heat).

Put the hose down and step away from your vehicle…

When you wash your car at home, you are actually dumping contaminated water into storm drains, which are specifically designed for rainwater.  This means that whatever cleaning solution you use to wash your car is making it into rivers, lakes, and other natural bodies of water.  Another fun fact: Engineering studies have shown that a 5/8” hose that’s running at 50 lbs per square inch uses 10 gallons of water… per minute.  Compare this to self-serve car washes, which only use 11.1 gallons of water per car…total!

Keep your vehicle in tip top shape

By getting regular maintenance on your vehicle, you will not only extend its life, but you will also cut down on pollution as well as gas consumption.  Make sure you have your oil changed regularly, along with your air filters.  Also, check your tires to make sure they have the right amount of pressure (this can have a major impact on your vehicle’s performance).

Tint your windows!

While you’re getting your vehicle tuned up, why not get your windows tinted as well?  Window tinting not only makes your car look awesome, but also protects you and the interior of your car from being exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays.  Tinted windows also help deflect heat in a big way. This means you won’t have to crank your AC at full blast the moment you start your car.

Scorpion is dedicated to helping people become friendlier toward the environment by providing professional window tinting solutions.  Cut your energy costs in half by getting window film installed on your car, home, or business.  Click here to find dealers near you.