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Sustainability for Homes |
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| What is sustainability? The ability to provide for the needs of the world’s current population without damaging the ability of future generations to provide for themselves. When a process is sustainable, it can be carried out repeatedly without negative environmental effects or extraordinarily high costs to anyone involved. Sustainable practices can take place at many levels: personal, office, corporate, industrial, national and international. The 3-Rs system — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle — applies at all of these levels. The concept sounds simple, but it is an extremely powerful tool to ensure that future generations can enjoy the world we enjoy today. What can Laguna residents and businesses do to achieve their green goals and adopt more sustainable practices? Learn about: • Energy Efficiency • Water Use and Conservation • Waste Reduction and Recycling • Reducing Storm Water & Urban Runoff Pollution This section connects you with local and regional resources to help get you on your way. It is divided into resources For Homes and resources For Businesses. Also check out the Resources — Green Tips section for specific ways to make your home or business greener and even use more sustainable practices when you travel. If you are interested in building a greener home or business from the ground up, see the Green Building section, which provides more construction-specific resources. |
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General |
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| Green Home Guide Connects you to advice, information and green professionals in your community. A service of the U.S. Green Building Council. Includes sections on kitchens, bathrooms, additions and remodeling, custom homes, solar and alternative energy, landscaping. |
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www.GreenHomeGuide.com | ||||
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Energy Efficiency |
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| California “Flex Your Power” Program Partnership of California’s utilities working to save energy. Resources for residents include sections on: Conducting a home energy audit (yourself or professionally), buying efficient appliances, upgrading your home, winterizing your home, natural gas efficiency. Also includes information on rebates and incentives. |
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www.FYPower.org | ||||
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| California Solar Initiative “One-stop shop” for information on rebates, tax credits and incentives for solar energy systems in California. |
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www.GoSolarCalifornia.org | ||||
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| San Diego Gas & Electric (serving portions of South Laguna) Offers information on rebates and services, along with energy-saving solutions for homes and businesses. |
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www.SDGE.com | ||||
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| Southern California Edison Offers information on rebates, incentives, services and energy-saving solutions for residential and business customers. Offers an online Home Energy Survey. |
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www.SCE.com | ||||
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| Southern California Gas Resources to help people save energy at their homes and businesses. For homes, resources include: a Home Energy and Water Efficiency Survey, conservation tips, and information on rebate and incentive programs. |
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www.SoCalGas.com/ energyefficiency |
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| U.S. Department of Energy — Energy Star Program Save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. Offers information on products and resources for home improvement and new home construction. |
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www.EnergyStar.gov | ||||
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Water Use and Conservation |
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| BeWaterWise.com Since water is one of the most valuable resources in Southern California, it is important that we use this precious natural resource wisely. There are several ways to save water inside and outside of your home. The Web site contains tips to save money and protect the environment. |
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www.BeWaterWise.com | ||||
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| Laguna Beach County Water District The District is committed to encouraging efficient water use. District personnel are available at the Laguna Beach Farmers Market once a month to answer consumer questions and provide free conservation products. Visit the web site for residential and commercial rebate programs. Visit the district’s Waterwise Garden, located at the headquarters building at 306 Third Street, Laguna Beach. You can stroll along paths lined with over 50 different colorful, California-friendly plants, exotic shrubs and perennials that were selected for their suitability to the local climate, low water use and fire resistance. Or scroll through the garden on the web site and learn about the plants from the comfort of your home. Printed brochures on waterwise and fire-safe gardening are available at the District’s Information Kiosk in the lobby (M-F, 8-5) or in the garden every day. The web site also offers links to online gardening classes that help you learn how to garden in a California friendly-style and to local nurseries that sell a variety of native, California friendly and low-water use plants. |
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www.LBCWD.org | ||||
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| South County Water District (serving South Laguna) Water conservation is the fastest way to decrease dependence on imported water, reduce urban runoff and save money on your bills. The South Coast Water District web site offers information on money-saving and free programs for homeowners and businesses. It also offers an excellent section on water conservation tips for indoors and outdoors.. |
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www.SCWD.org/ custserv/conserve.htm |
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| Water Saving House This interactive web resource takes you on a tour to investigate water saving opportunities in each area of your home. You can also check out how much water you are using with the Water Budget Calculator or visit the Garden Guide to find inspiration for beautiful water conserving gardens. |
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www.H2Ouse.org | ||||
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Waste Reduction and Recycling Click for Waste Management’s Residential Recycling & Refuse Services Guide for Laguna Beach. |
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| Waste Management Visit their website for details about residential and recycling services. To schedule pickup of bulky items, call (949) 642-1191. |
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(949) 642-1191 www.WMOrangeCounty.com |
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| ThinkGreenFromHome.com Sustainability is about more than using energy efficient products. It also carries a responsibility to prevent waste of useful materials and to reduce the impact of manufacturing on the environment. Learn how to recycle compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and fluorescent tube lighting; batteries; electronics and computers; bottles, cans and paper. |
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www.ThinkGreenFrom Home.com |
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Reducing Storm Water & Urban Runoff Pollution (SWURP) The ocean begins at your front door! Before you pour anything into the gutter or down the drain, stop and think! Storm drains empty directly into channels and creeks…and through wetlands and bays to the ocean. Anything we use in our home, car and businesses like motor oil, paint, pesticides, fertilizers and cleaners can wind up in the street. A little water from rain or a garden hose carry these automotive and household materials into the storm drains—polluting bays, wetlands and the ocean. SWURP may have a serious impact on water quality in Orange County and can come from factories, city streets, neighborhoods, farms, construction sites and parking lots. Pollutants from the storm drain system can harm marine life as well as coastal and wetland habitats. It can also degrade recreation areas such as beaches, harbors and bays. Together, you and your neighbors and city can make a difference in keeping the ocean and beaches clean for both people and wildlife. |
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| City of Laguna Beach The City offers a great list of easy things that residents can do to reduce dangerous Storm Water & Urban Runoff Pollution—including sections on Home Maintenance, Lawn and Garden, Automotive. The web site also provides information on hazardous waste disposal. To report graffiti for clean up in 24 hours call City of Laguna Beach’s Graffiti Hotline (949) 497-0711. |
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www.LagunaBeachCity.net/ about/environment.htm |
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 Copyright © 2009 Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau. All rights reserved. |
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