Sedgwick County Environmental Resources
Environmental Tips
Save energy, save money, and save the Earth at the same time.

Monthly Reminders

• Replace your furnace filters monthly to increase your heating system's efficiency.
• Check your tire pressure monthly.  Under-inflated tires create more drag, which reduces gas mileage.

Seasonal Tips

• Don't apply pesticides or fertilizers if rain is in the forecast; they will only run off.

• According to some experts, you can save about 3% of your heating costs for every degree you lower your thermostat during the winter and about 6% for every degree you raise your thermostat during the summer.
• Have your heating and air conditioning system serviced at the start of each season, so it will heat and cool properly and also produce fewer emissions.
• Adjust your sprinklers so you are watering the lawn, not the street. And turn off the sprinklers when it’s raining!
• Try to water your lawn early in the day.  Not only does this conserve water by slowing its rate of evaporation, it also allows for optimal growth, helping you build and maintain a thick, lush lawn.
• Use spill-proof gas cans when filling gasoline-powered tools, including lawn mowers, edgers and blowers.
• Even on cold winter days, sun streaming into a room can raise the temperature several degrees.  Open blinds and drapes to reap this benefit.

Money Savers

• Have you switched to compact fluorescent bulbs yet?  Replace the 5 most-often-used lights in your house with compact fluorescent light bulbs. They last up to 10 times longer than a regular light bulb and reduce electricity consumption by nearly 75%.

• Showers can account for 2/3 of all water heating costs and up to 20% of total indoor water use.  Take shorter showers!

• If you leave your porch light on all night, consider a sensor that will automatically turn the light on and off and replace the bulb with an energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulb.

• Refrigerators typically account for around 20% of your electric bill. New refrigerators and freezers are about 75% more efficient than those made 30 years ago. Should you consider a newer model?

• Clothes dryers are typically the 2nd biggest energy user. Clean the lint filter after each load and dry only full loads. Also, clean out the dryer vent hose periodically for more efficient (and safer) drying.  Consider using a clothes line on nice days.

• 80% of energy consumed in a computer system is from the monitor. While at an office, turn off monitors at night. If at home, turn both the computer and monitor off when finished using them.

• Use the smaller burners on your electric stove when using smaller pans.

• According to some experts, you can save about 3% of your heating costs for every degree you lower your thermostat during the winter and about 6% for every degree you raise your thermostat during the summer.

• Have your heating and air conditioning system regularly serviced so it will heat and cool properly and also produce fewer emissions.
• Clean your refrigerator coils. Clean coils are more energy efficient.
• Unplug cell phone chargers, appliances, and PCs when not in use or they will continue to consume energy.
• If your printer allows it, set your printer to duplex (print on both sides of paper) as a default to reduce paper usage.
• High-efficiency toilets can reduce water bills by about 10%. Replacing older, inefficient toilets could save Americans more than 900 billion gallons of water a year—enough to supply almost 10 million households.

Vehicle Reminders

• Idling your car wastes gas.  Turn off the engine if you will be stationary for more than a couple of minutes.

• When filling your car with gas, don't "top off."  Overfilling increases spilling and emissions.  Let the automatic stop be your guide.

• Is your car dirty?  Use commercial wash stations; they use up to 60% less water than do-it-yourself methods.

• Plan your errands to save time, miles and gas.

• If you maintain your own vehicle, be sure to take used oil, antifreeze, batteries and other vehicle fluids to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, 801 Stillwell in Wichita (660-7464) for proper disposal. Every gallon of oil you recycle saves 42 gallons of crude oil.

• Avoid revving or idling your engine for long periods of time; accelerate gradually, maintain the speed limit and use cruise control on the highway; don't ignore a "check engine" light; and fill your gas tank during cooler evening hours to cut down on evaporation.

Community Resources

• Take household hazardous waste items to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 801 Stillwell in Wichita, just south of Kellogg off Seneca St.  Accepted items include all auto fluids, batteries, filters, fuel, fertilizers, paint, pesticides, solvents, household cleaners, fluorescent light bulbs, propane, pharmaceuticals, and any computer component (computer, monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc.).
• The Household Hazardous Waste Facility also has a reuse area where you can get small amounts of paint, cleaners and other items for free.
• When asked "paper or plastic?" reply "neither!"  Use reusable bags, which are inexpensive alternatives available at local retailers.
• Buy and use remanufactured printer cartridges, then recycle them.  Many local retailers offer this option.

Be Mindful

• If it's on the ground, it's in the water!  Clean up after pets, cover bare soil, don't over use fertilizer, and properly dispose of used motor oil so these items don't end up in water supplies.
• Use less stuff!  Use cloth towels and napkins; share magazines and newspapers; and donate used goods to a thrift shop, day care center or charity.

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last update: 03/27/08
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