Living Green

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Living Green means making choices and taking action to lead healthier and more sustainable lives, 365 days a year.

"Nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something."

Living GREEN in Lake City, MN

Save Energy in Lake City - Southern MN Municipal Power

Lake City Garbage and Recycling

[PDF] Lake City UtilitiesENERGY STAR Product Rebate Application

[PDF] Yard Compost & Brush Chipping Site Schedule

Lake City's Citizens for Energy Awareness (CEA) Group

Bright IDEA #1
Replace standard light bulbs: Energy efficient lighting uses about 75% less energy than standard light bulbs. Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs) last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs and can save $30 in electricity costs over the life of the bulb. Start by replacing bulbs in rooms that have the most usage each day.

Your Local link: To help make CFL bulbs more affordable, Lake City utility customers can get a compact fluorescent lamp rebate of 50% of the bulb cost or $2, whichever is greater. Stop by City Hall to pick up a rebate form or access form at the city's web site: www.ci.lake-city.mn.us Link can be found under Lake City Utilities.

Bright IDEA #2
Conduct an energy audit: an energy audit of your home or business takes a close look at your energy use and identifies changes you can make to become more energy efficient. While audits can have an up front cost, the changes you make will quickly recover those expenses and ultimately save you money.

Your local link: Xcel Energy offers home audits for only $35.00 Call 800-895-4999. To conduct your own audit, go to the U.S. Department of Energy, www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/energy _audits

Bright IDEA #3
Use Energy Star appliances & save!: Did you know Energy Star dehumidifiers use 10-20% less energy than similarly-sized standard models, while removing the same amount of moisture? You can save roughly $17 a year or $190 or more over the life of the unit-enough to pay for the new dehumidifier.

Your local link: Lake City utility customers receive a $65 rebate by trading in your old, working dehumidifier for a new Energy Star-qualified model, available at Wise Ace Hardware, Lake City. Rebate form with instructions is available at www.saveenergyinlakecity.com

Bright IDEA #4
Plant trees and save!: Did you know strategically placed shade trees can reduce an air conditioning bill by up to 25%, and a windbreak can reduce annual fuel bills by up to 20%? Shade west and east windows to most effectively reduce air conditioning use. Select a tree that can be planted within 20 feet of the window and will grow at least 10 feet taller than the window.

Your local link: Shade trees that grow well in Lake City include oak, maple, linden, elm, hackberry, coffee tree, walnut, honey locust, and river birch. For more information go to www.dnr.state.mn.us/treecare/energy. Save fuel-shop locally for your trees!

Bright IDEA Tips that help our planet and your pocketbook!
Brought to you by: Citizens for Energy Awareness

Citizens for Energy Awareness Press Releases: [PDF] CEA | [PDF] Market by the Lake

Expos, Workshops, Seminars and Conferences

Rain Garden Education Workshops by Metro Blooms can help you plan a watershed-friendly garden. Choose from many dates and locations throughout the spring.

SE MN 1st Annual RE-Fest Sustainability Fair Austin, MN Sept. 20, 2008

EEBA-Excellence in Building Conference & Expo, Arizona Grand Resort-Phoenix, Arizona, Oct. 21-23, 2008

Public Television and Radio

Resources

Low Impact Living

US Environmental Protection Agency

Recycling and Salvage Stores

Minnesota Materials Exchange

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency - Green Building

Recycling Association of Minnesota

Minnesota Energy Challenge

MN Sustainable Communities Network - Next Step