Going Green! From Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal

Tips for
Greening
Your Apartment or Home

Turn down your thermostat
You can lower your home’s fuel consumption by approximately 3% for each degree that you lower your thermostat. You can also install programmable thermostats that adjust the temperature automatically. The easy-to-install thermostats can be set to drop the temperature just before bedtime or warm the house in the morning before you rise. You’ll save 10% a year on heating and cooling bills just by turning your thermostat down 10 to 15% for eight hours while you sleep.

Insulate your windows and doors
Heat loss through windows accounts for 10 to 25% of your home heating bill. Save money on your energy bill and stay warmer by adding weather stripping to your windows and doors. You can hire a professional or use a range of do-it-yourself products. Windows should be caulked on three sides, leaving the bottom to provide an escape for moisture. When working on doors, add weather-stripping to the top, sides, and bottom threshold. You can seal the space under the door with a strip or even a removable “draft snake.”

Invest in quality storm windows
You’ll pay a little to save a lot. Storm windows can increase the comfort level of your home while reducing the expenditure of energy dollars. They hold the heat inside where you want it. You can install them yourself with a few simple tools and a few hours of work.

Upgrade appliances
Modern appliances are much more efficient than their predecessors, so consider upgrading yours. New stoves, for example, are insulated around the perimeter to keep heat inside, while older models are not. Newer air conditioning units use less energy to generate cold air. Appliance energy use adds up: the average refrigerator accounts for nearly 10 % of the average home’s total energy use.

"Be cool" and save money by switching your air conditioner
You can save money by switching to an ENERGY-STAR model air conditioner. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average New York family spends $1,900 a year on energy bills, with nearly half going toward heating and cooling costs. ENERGY-STAR qualified air conditioners can save you money by using 10 to 25 % less energy than a conventional new model or up to 40 % less energy than a 10-year-old unit.

Switch to ENERGY STAR-qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)
Compact fluorescent bulbs last longer by using less energy, thereby lowering your electricity bill without scrimping on the quality of light. ENERGY-STAR- qualified products in general are certified by the EPA for providing such high energy efficiency. These bulbs must be disposed of properly since they contain trace amounts of mercury. For information on disposal of CFLs visit: http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycwasteless/html/at_home/special_waste.shtml

Unplug chargers and appliances when not in use
Many electronics, such as cell phone chargers and small kitchen appliances, continue using electricity if they remain plugged into an outlet. These plugged-in devices can be responsible for up to 40% of your energy costs.

Switch to a green energy provider
Electricity generated from wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources is good for the environment. Thousands of New York State residents have switched to green power, helping to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, such as oil, gas, and coal. By choosing green power and paying a premium, they are helping to create a cleaner, healthier environment.

Your electric service is made up of two parts, supply and delivery. In New York’s competitive electricity market, you can now shop for your supply of electricity and you can support cleaner, sustainable energy solutions by selecting green power for some or all of your supply. More information on green energy can be found at: http://www.askpsc.com/or by calling 866-GRN-POWR.

Bring a cloth or canvas bag to the supermarket
Petroleum is used to produce millions of plastic bags each year, and you can help reduce our country’s oil consumption simply by bringing a cloth or canvas bag with you to the grocery store. You will also help to reduce New York City’s waste. While cloth bags are reusable, plastic bags take decades to decompose.

Switch to paperless bank statements
Reduce your clutter and help the environment. Log on to the Web sites of the companies whose bills you pay each month and enroll in their paperless banking program. If every home in the U.S. viewed and paid bills electronically, the country would save 18.5 million trees and reduce 2.2 billion tons of toxic air pollutants per year.

For many more tips go to: http://www.getenergysmart.org/

GREENING YOUR BUILDING

The Apartment Building Recycling Initiative (ABRI)
Help your apartment building reduce, reuse, and recycle. New York City’s Apartment Building Recycling Initiative (ABRI) offers you a chance to expand recycling in your building. Participants are trained to improve recycling in their building and work with the Department of Sanitation to promote and assist recycling plans. This free program provides participants with regular updates and helpful information to keep their building well informed about the latest ways to reduce waste. Interested participants must be at least 18 years old, live in, work, or manage a residential building with 3 or more units that receives Department of Sanitation collection, and work cooperatively with building management and attend at least one training session.

More information can be found at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycwasteless/html/recycling/recycling_abri.shtml

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
WAP helps individuals and families increase the energy efficiency in their homes. Assistance is available to both homeowners and renters. Eligibility is based on income, and priority is given to senior citizens as well as to families with children or disabled individuals. The increased energy efficiency yields an average savings of 20 % or more to participants. For more information, visit the Division of Housing and Community Renewal’s Web site at www.dhcr.state.ny.us

On the West Side, Housing Conservation Coordinators (HCC) works with income-eligible buildings to implement weatherization through the Division of Housing and Community Renewal. If you are interested in learning more about HCC’s weatherization program, contact Karen Jackson-Campbell, Weatherization Director, at 212-541-5996.

Cogeneration
Cogeneration is a process whereby buildings produce their own heat and electricity through the use of machines known as microturbines. Microturbines are generators that produce electricity. The heat produced from the microturbines is captured to heat the building. Cogeneration is in use throughout the city in many commercial and some residential buildings. The benefit of cogeneration is to reduce a building’s electricity and heating costs, and to reduce New York City’s overall energy demand by taking buildings off the power grid.

More information on cogeneration can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/chp

Submetering
Submetering makes it possible for residential buildings that have one master electric meter to charge shareholders and unit owners for the power they use, rather than dividing power costs among the residents on the basis of their proportionate interest in the co-op or condo. Studies have confirmed that residents in master-metered buildings tend to consume more electricity than residents with individual apartment metering. Electrical submetering has been established as an effective energy conservation measure and way for residents to save money.

More information on submetering can be found by visiting http://www.dps.state.ny.us/submetering and clicking on the “sample tenant notification” and “checklist” links.

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING
YOU CAN RECYCLE MORE THAN YOU THINK!

Recycling remains one of the most effective methods for limiting waste and protecting our environment. Today, more products than ever are being recycled for a variety of uses. You probably own many things that can be turned into green-friendly furnishings, clothing, or other reusable products.

Recycling Electronics
What does your old computer or camera have in common with a milk carton? They are all recyclable. Before you toss your old cell phone, camera, or computer into next week’s trash, consider that 20 to 50 million tons of electronics waste (often called e-waste) is discarded globally every year. In fact, e-waste currently makes up five percent of all municipal solid waste.

Aside from directly contacting merchants, the New York City Department of Sanitation periodically sponsors electronic recycling days in Manhattan.

Recycle unwanted computers, monitors, and printers through one of the retailer or manufacturer-sponsored, take-back programs listed below, or through a recycling vendor. Additionally, New York City law will require all electronics manufactures to adopt e-recycling programs beginning in July 2009.

Manufacturer Take-Back Programs:

Apple: 888-638-2761; http://www.apple.com/environment/recycling/nationalservices/us.html
Canon: 800-385-2155
Dell Inc.: 800-915-3355; http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/about_dell/values/environment/recycling_main?~ck=ln&c=us&l=en&lnki=0&s=corp
Epson: http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/Recycle/RecycleProgram.jsp
Hewlett-Packard: http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/globalcitizenship/environment/recycle/index.html
IBM: 888-SHOP-IBM; http://www.ibm.com/ibm/environment/products/recycling.shtml
Lenovo: (including IBM laptops) http://lenovo.ecotakeback.com/
Lexmark: 800-LEXMARK (539-6275); http://www.lexmark.com/recycle/
Sony: 877-439-2795; http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&categoryId=8198552921644513777&langId=-1&storeId=10151
Toshiba: http://explore.toshiba.com/innovation-lab/green

Most charge a processing fee, and some restrict the brands that they will accept. Dell Inc. and Hewlett-Packard can provide a home pick-up service.

Retailer Take-Back Programs for Electronics:

Best Buy: has a program for recycling appliances and televisions when individuals purchase a new appliance or television from the retailer. Best Buy also accepts cell phones and ink cartridges at Best Buy stores.
Office Depot: will accept any brand of used electronics provided that they are not cracked or leaking. These items must be able to fit within one of their three boxes. (The largest box is 14”x18”x18”, which is big enough for a monitor, but not a large television.) The box must be purchased for $5, $10, or $15 depending on its size. The filled box can then be left at the store for recycling.
Radio Shack: has an in-store program for recycling rechargeable batteries and cell phones.
Staples: will accept any brand of used computers, monitors, laptops, printers, faxes, and all-in-ones for recycling at any of its stores for a $10 per large item fee.

Product

Natural Alternatives

Oven Cleaner

Avoid the use of harsh chemicals by wiping away grease and spills after use. For spills, let oven cool slightly, sprinkle salt on the spill, wait a few minutes and wipe area clean with a wet cloth. For scouring the oven, use baking soda (do not let baking soda touch wires or heating elements) and a damp sponge. Scour racks and burners inserts with steel wool.

Drain Cleaner

For clogged drains, try a plunger first. Dissolve 4 oz. baking soda and 8 oz. vinegar in a small amount of boiling water. Pour down drain and wait for fizzing to stop. Flush with tap water.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Sprinkle baking soda around the bowl followed by vinegar. Scrub with a toilet brush. Vinegar is a mild acid and should remove hard water scale.

Abrasive Power Cleansers

Sprinkle any of the following on the surface to be cleaned: baking soda, borax, or dry table salt and scour with a damp sponge. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove grit.

Basin, Tub, and Tile Cleaner

Cut a lemon in half and dip it in borax. Rub surfaces with lemon and rinse.

Ceramic Tile Cleaner

Mix 1/4 cup vinegar in 1 gallon of water. Scrub with a brush.

Mildew Remover

Dissolve ½ cup vinegar and ½ cup borax in warm water. Apply to tiles and grout with a sponge or brush. Wipe and rinse clean.

Glass, Window, Mirror Cleaners

Wipe away surface dirt with a paper towel or soft cloth.
Window Cleaner 1: Mix a solution of 2 tablespoons vinegar to 1 quart water. Apply with a wad of newspaper.
Window Cleaner 2: Mix 3 tablespoons ammonia, 1 tablespoon vinegar, 3/4 cup water in a spray bottle. Wipe down with a squeegee to prevent streaking. Avoid spilling cleaner on painted or varnished woodwork.
Window Cleaner 3: Mix ½ cup cornstarch in 2 qts. warm water and apply with a sponge. Wipe windows dry with a soft cloth.

Dishwasher Soap

Mix 1 part borax and 1 part washing soda. Depending on how hard the water is, adjust proportions to avoid soap film on dishes.

Furniture Polish

Furniture Polish 1: Mix 1 part lemon juice with 2 parts olive or vegetable oil.
Furniture Polish 2: Mix 2 teaspoons lemon oil and 1 pint mineral oil in a spray bottle.
Furniture Polish 3: Mix equal portions of denatured alcohol, fresh strained lemon juice, boiled linseed oil, and gum turpentine in a labeled jar. Shake before each use.

Liquid Floor Polish

Melt 1/4 cup paraffin in a double boiler. Stir in 2 qts. mineral oil. Transfer to labeled containers.

Silver Polish

Clean silver items with toothpaste, mild dishwashing liquid, and warm water using an old toothbrush on tarnished areas.

Brass and Copper Cleaners

Combine 1 pint of soap jelly, 1 cup whiting (powdered chalk), and 1 teaspoon ammonia into a paste and beat together before soap jelly congeals.
Rub the paste on metal articles.
Wash them in hot sudsy water, rinse, and dry with a soft towel.
To make soap jelly:

Dissolve 1 cup of shaved soap or soap flakes in 1 qt. of boiling water.
After soap is entirely melted, pour it into a jar with a wide mouth and place it in a cool place until the mixture jells.
Copper can be cleaned by rubbing a mixture of salt dissolved in hot vinegar.

Rinse and wipe with a clean rag.

All-Purpose Cleaners

General Cleaner/Disinfectant 1: Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup ammonia and 1 gallon hot water.
General Cleaner/Disinfectant 2: Dissolve ½ cup borax in 1 gallon warm water.
General Cleaner/Disinfectant 3: Mix ½ cup ammonia, ½ cup baking soda, and 1 gallon warm water into a bucket. After cleaning, rinse with clean water. Unused cleaner can be stored in a labeled bottle or jar.
Other general cleaners include: #1 vinegar, salt, and water, #2 vinegar in water, #3 baking soda and water, and #4 soap pads.

Ant and Roach Sprays

Ants: Mix 1 egg white, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon boric acid, and ½ cup water together until boric acid is dissolved. Spoon into jar lids and set lids in areas where ants appear and travel. Refill the lids when solution dries out. Allow three to four weeks for poison to take effect.
Roaches: Mix 16 oz. boric acid, 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar and pieces of
finely chopped onion. Add water a little at a time to make a soft dough. Shape into small balls
and place these where roaches travel and hide.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Moth balls

Place cedar blocks, lavender sachets and other dried herbs in closets and drawers.

Important Energy Legislation

Light Pollution

In 2008, I passed a bill in the Assembly that mandates healthy, safe and energy-efficient outdoor lighting. This bill would limit excessive outdoor illumination, which wastes energy and creates harmful and unnecessary glare. I also passed a bill mandating that state lighting efficiency standards for public buildings be established. Such standards would protect public health and safety and conserve energy by eliminating wasteful artificial night lighting. We must all act to limit our energy consumption; the state should be no exception. These bills will implement at the state level the same common-sense energy-saving measures to which many individuals have already committed in their daily lives.

Even when our methods of generating power for residential, commercial, and municipal lighting are as efficient as possible, emissions resulting from the burning of fossil fuels pose a significant threat to public health. Contaminants in these emissions are killing our lakes, tainting our air and drinking water, and contributing to global warming. Poorly designed and inefficient outdoor night lighting is estimated to waste between $3.5 and $4 billion annually. The bill requires state lighting efficiency standards to include methods to eliminate wasteful lighting. These methods will help to reduce the pollution that results from the unnecessary use of energy.

This legislation would empower NYSERDA to include in its listings of energy-related products information on the types of outdoor lighting best suited to reducing wasted energy, glare, deterioration of the natural nighttime environment, and interference with astronomical observation.

Diesel Generators

In 2008, I introduced a bill in the Assembly that would restrict the use of diesel-powered electric turbines in areas of the state where air quality has already deteriorated as a result of diesel-powered turbine use. Diesel-fired turbines emit several orders of magnitude more oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter per unit output than natural gas combined cycle units. They emit 300 times the emissions of that emitted by a state of the art combined cycle natural gas power plant. The use of diesel-generated electricity would still be permitted under certain circumstances, such as for emergency back-up during a power outage. In response to the electric price spikes that occasionally occur during the summer months, the New York Independent System Operator (ISO), the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), and NYSERDA have all instituted financial incentives for diesel generators to operate when prices are high. This bill would reduce the unhealthy use of pollution-generating diesel power.

Bigger Better Bottle Bill

In 2008, the Assembly passed the Bigger Better Bottle Bill. The Bigger Better Bottle Bill would update the state’s five-cent bottle deposit law on bottled beverages. I am proud to have been a co-sponsor and a strong and outspoken supporter of this important measure. This bill would attach a five-cent rebate to bottled water, juice, and teas, which were not covered in the original 1982 bottle bill. Additionally, any unclaimed deposits would be redirected from the bottling industry, where unclaimed deposits currently go, to the State Environmental Protection Fund. The Environmental Protection Fund is a critical resource in New York; it provides funds to local governments and nonprofits to purchase park lands or historic resources and develop and preserve these resources, as well as for other open space conservation and land acquisition initiatives. This bill is crucial to reducing litter and solid waste disposal. Each year, three billion carbonated beverage bottles end up in landfills and incinerators, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and choking our planet with non-biodegradable garbage. Thanks to the success of the original bottle bill, more than six million tons of bottles and containers have been recycled.

Improving the bottle bill is both environmentally and fiscally responsible; this legislation would provide the state with an estimated $144 million in revenue from unclaimed deposits every year, according to the Container Recycling Institute. I believe taxpayers’ money should benefit our communities, not the bottling industry.

Net Metering

In 2008, I co-sponsored a bill to expand net metering that was passed into law. Net metering is an electricity policy designed to benefit consumers who own small, reliable renewable energy facilities, such as wind or solar power, or vehicle-to-grid systems. In this context, “net” means “what remains after deductions”—the deduction of any energy outflows from metered energy inflows. Under net metering, a system owner receives retail credit for at least a portion of the electricity he or she generates.

This bill removes restrictions on net metering, giving credit to electric ratepayers who generate renewable energy and passing along the unused energy to others in the system. I believe that allowing net metering will benefit both the environment and the economy, while at the same time providing incentive for energy consumers to be more environmentally friendly. New York should be leading the nation in common-sense, environmentally sound public policy, and net metering is a huge step in the right direction.

This initiative and all other bills in New York State that reduce carbon emissions have my enthusiastic support. I am committed to saving our environment and protecting our pocketbooks by promoting policies that emphasize energy efficiency.

Green Building

In 2008, I co-sponsored legislation that was passed into law which expands green building in New York State. One law requires all new state buildings to comply with green building principals. Another law directs NYSERDA to establish a Green Residential Building Grant Program to encourage green residential construction. In the district, I always advocate that new developments be built with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, which requires use of reused materials in construction and reduced water and energy usage in building design, among other requirements.