Take Action in Your Home
44% of Marblehead’s carbon emissions comes from homes
Simple Steps for Reducing Energy Use
Turn off lights when leaving the room
Change to LED light bulbs
Use a programmable thermostat
Fill holes that create leaks
Sign up for a free energy audit with Sustainable Marblehead partner HomeWorks Energy here
Green Heating Options
To meet our greenhouse gas emissions targets, we must convert heating systems that run on oil or natural gas over to electrical systems.
Many options are available; find out more about them here. Click here for a comparison guide.
View a webinar on green heating with industry experts and a local case study here.
Insulation Options
Thermal insulation can be applied throughout a building’s envelope to maximize efficiency and save energy. Some insulation products have better thermal insulating performance but there are other considerations like toxins used or released in manufacturing, off-gassing, recycled content, as well as requirements about moisture control, cost, and space limitations.
Click here for a comparison guide and click here for additional detail from the Department of Energy.
Water Heating Options
Is your current water heater old or needing replacement? Are you looking for a new way to heat water that is more energy efficient and less costly to operate than your current potentially outdated machine? Click here for a comparison guide.
Home Appliances
The home appliances we use can make a big difference in our carbon footprint. When updating, choose energy-efficient appliances that use electricity instead of gas. Click here for rebate information.
In the kitchen, consider an induction cooktop, which works with magnetism between the cookware and the stove. They're safe. Temperature control is accurate. And they're easy to clean. Click here to find out how they work.
For a detailed explanation of induction's advantages, click here for an article from EcoWatch.
In Your Bathroom
Buy phosphate-free hand and bath soap.
Buy bars of soap wrapped in paper.
Don’t buy liquid soap in bottles.
Buy shampoo and conditioner that comes in bars instead of plastic bottles.
Buy a bamboo toothbrush.
Buy toilet paper made from 100% recycled paper.
Use natural cleaning agents such as lemon, baking soda, or vinegar.
Install a low flow shower head to save water.
Install a low flow toilet.
Recycling and Trash
Turn off lights when leaving the room
Change to LED light bulbs
Use a programmable thermostat
Fill holes that create leaks
Sign up for a free energy audit with Sustainable Marblehead partner HomeWorks Energy here
In Your Kitchen
Compost food scraps at the Transfer Station or sign up for weekly pickup service at Black Earth Compost. Read our fact sheet on composting.
Buy napkins and paper towels made from 100% recycled paper or replace them with cloth napkins and reusable dish cloths.
Drink tap water. Read our fact sheet on the benefits!
Use glass storage containers for leftover food instead of plastic.
Use mesh or fabric produce bags at the grocery store.
Buy bee’s wrap instead of plastic wrap.
Buy recycled or compostable trash bags.
In Your Home Office
Send and store documents electronically rather than printing them
Only use 100% recycled paper when you must print something
Turn of machines when not in use
Set printer to use 2-sided printing by default
Bring confidential papers to Greif Recycling at 53 Jefferson Avenue in Salem where they will be shredded and baled for recycling at no charge.