The Green Parent

Before you head off on your eco-friendly vacation, take these steps to make sure that things stay green back home:

• Adjust your hot water heater and heating and air conditioning units to use the minimum amount of energy necessary while you’re gone. (If you have pets that are staying behind…be sure to leave the house a comfortable temperature for them!)
• If you need to leave a light on for security purposes, use a timer to avoid wasting electricity.
• Stop your newspaper.
• If possible, turn off your water (from the pipes outside) to prevent flooding or leaks while you’re gone. Just be sure to turn the water back on slowly and check thoroughly for leaks when you return.
• Unplug all unnecessary appliances and electronics (such as TVs, coffee machines, and computers) to eliminate energy “leaks.”
• Lift the wire on your freezer’s ice machine to turn it off and prevent leaks while you’re away.