Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission

Commission size: six members
Term: Temporary
Meeting date: As needed

Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission Members
Scott Z. Berman, Chair
Andrew D. DeCanniere
Ben Harris
Thomas Mannard
Trustee Randall E. Roberts
Fernando Ronderos
Rachel Rosenberg
Debra Shore
Romil K. Sood
Liaison: Max Slankard

Ideas for Making your Home and Life 'Greener' 

The Village's Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission has held meetings and hearings over the course of the last year. Part of its mission is to provide information to residents. Here are a few helpful ideas learned in the last year.

Changing things at your home or business to achieve environmentally friendly objectives is commonly referred to as going "green." Adopting some new habits and practices – such as the ideas listed here -- will not only save you money, but it's also good for the planet!  

How can you "go green"? Start simply. Think energy.

  • Heating and cooling your home uses more energy and therefore more energy dollars – typically 46% of your utility bill -- than any other system in your home. Reduce the use of heat or air conditioning by:
    • Setting your thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter and as high as is comfortable in the summer. Heat your house at 68 degrees or less and keep your air conditioning at 74 degrees or more.
    • Using a programmable thermostat will help you save even more.
  • Unplug! Many appliances and electronic equipment continue to draw a small amount of power when they are switched off. These "phantom" loads occur in most appliances that use electricity, such as VCRs, televisions, stereos, computers, telephone chargers and kitchen appliances. Avoid this energy drain by unplugging the appliance or using a power strip to cut all power to the appliance.
  • Wash your clothes in cold water. Detergents have improved, eliminating the need for hot water (which accounts for 80% of the electricity used in a load of laundry).
  • Putting an insulation sleeve on your hot water heater retards the loss of heat, thus saving energy. (Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for this.) Draining the bottom foot of your hot water heater once a year removes sediment and improves heating efficiency.
  • Use energy efficient fixtures and bulbs.
    • Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use 75% less electricity and last up to 10 times longer than the typical light bulb. Technology and reliability have improved dramatically from the earlier versions.
    • Check the energy star rating of appliances and selected the ones with the lowest energy usage.
    • And remember what your parents told you: "turn out the lights" that are not necessary.
  • You can receive up to $1,500 in tax credits in 2009 and 2010 for purchasing energy efficient windows and doors, HVAC, insulation, and more. Click here  for details.
  • Energy Audits. These recommendations can be implemented with minimum cost and effort. Many companies now conduct energy audits to pinpoint the most effective ways to cut your energy costs. For more information about home energy audits, including free tools and calculators, visit www.energysavers.gov.

For more 'green' tips, visit the Skokie's Going 'Green' webpage.