In Your Home

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 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 and click here for a comparison guide.

Insulation Options

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for a new way to heat water that is more energy efficient and less costly to operate than your current potentially outdated machine? 

Find out more here and 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

• Reduce your use of plastic – learn how by reading our fact sheet.

• Recycle everything you can – for information on what can be recycled click here.

• Recycle plastic bags at grocery stores, Target or Home Depot since they aren’t accepted curbside.

• Avoid polystyrene (Styrofoam) which can’t be recycled in Marblehead. If you do have some to recycle, take it to Save That Stuff at 200 Terminal St. in Charlestown.

• Put your trash and recycling in bins with lids so they don’t litter the street when there’s a strong wind.

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 of drinking tap water.

• Use glass storage containers for leftovers 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

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.