American West Offers “Come on Home” Promotion

American West is making moving into a new home easier than you think. We are now offering a “Come On Home” promotion. This promotion offers homebuyers 40,000 points, to use as a “gift” towards an extensive list of different upgrades and/or loan programs when buying a new American West home.  

“This is an amazing promotion for American West. We are reaching out to every potential homebuyer, offering something for everyone. The incredible loan programs offer our new homebuyers payments from as low as $615 per month,” said Larry Canarelli, president of American West. “As a local and privately owned home builder, we are inviting our friends, neighbors and community to find the home of their dreams with a promotion that makes it all possible. Our promotion in addition to the incredible interest rates makes now the perfect time to purchase a new American West home. ” 

The 40,000 points, given to homebuyers through the promotion, can be used toward loan fees; six months no-interest; the American West Dream Loan; the Home Run Loan; exterior stone; carriage lights; granite upgrade; washer and dryer; and additional custom upgrade features. 

“We chose these selections based on our most popular upgrades and incentives. Whether a buyer is looking for different loan options or customizable home upgrades, they can tailor this promotion to fit their needs,” said Canarelli. 

The “Come On Home” promotion only lasts through June 1, 2011 and is available at all eight American West communities located throughout the Las Vegas valley. 

American West offers single-story, two-story and split-level homes that range from 1,216 to 4,770 square feet and feature three to six bedrooms, formal living and dining rooms, game rooms, optional studies, optional second master bedrooms and even included elevators, depending on the floor plan. The builder’s collection of beautiful home designs reflect American West’s tradition of architectural excellence, quality construction, innovative floorplans, pool sized backyards and superior customer service. 

“From our split-level floor plan with an elevator to our single-story floor plans with the popular BRAG space, we offer quality-built homes that are designed for families and for flexibility,” said Canarelli. “First time buyers, growing families, empty nesters, and those seeking luxury residences are all discovering new homes that meet their personal needs at American West’s neighborhoods.” 

The single story homes with BRAG space are available at American West’s Woodbridge, Kensington and Reserve communities. BRAG stands for Bonus room and Guest room. The extra space is located on a second level of the home and can be used as a spacious bonus room or a guest suite with luxurious bath and huge walk-in closet. These innovative homes provide all the convenience of single story living while also including a BRAG space that leaves your imagination open to endless possibilities.   

Located in Coronado Ranch, American West Woodbridge features single-story, two-story and split-level homes ranging from 3,068 to 4,770 square feet with up to six bedrooms and 4 ½ baths, starting at $309,500. American West Reserve features single- and two-story homes ranging from 2,492 to 3,019 with up to five bedrooms and 3 ½ baths, starting at $254,500. Homes at American West Kingsbridge range from 1,486 to 2,996 square feet and have up to five bedrooms and 3 ½ baths and start at $199,500. 

Silverado Springs is located in Silverado Ranch and features two-story and split-level homes ranging from 2,363 to 3,790 square feet with up to five bedrooms and 3 ½ baths. Homes in Silverado Springs start at $245,500. 

Located in Highlands Ranch, American West Lexington features two-story and split-level homes ranging from 1,216 to 2,452 square feet with up to five bedrooms and 3 ½ baths and starting at $178,500. This community includes the new Camryn with BRAG space which is a two-story home with the additional BRAG space. American West Kensington  features single-story, two-story and split-level homes ranging from 3,068 to 4,770 square feet with up to six bedrooms and 4 ½ baths, starting at $298,500. With homes ranging from 1,486 to 2,996 square feet, American West Fairmont features two-story and split-level homes with up to five bedrooms and 3 ½ baths. Homes in Fairmont start at $198,500.  With homes starting at $219,500, American West Newcastle offers two-story and split-level homes ranging from 1,701 to 3,030 square feet with up to five bedrooms and 3 ½ baths. 

American West has been building homes in Southern Nevada since 1984. All American West homes include a 10-year Structural Assurance Plan and are built to NV Energy Plus standards. Certified Energy Plus New Homes are built to exceed the energy efficiency of a standard home by 30 percent, double ENERGY STAR® standards.   

For more information on the “Come On Home” promotion and our other neighborhood’s visit AmericanWestHomes.com or call (702) 308-1111. Sales offices are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

View a video of a sampling of our beautiful homes.

Post to Twitter

There’s No Time Like the Present for American West Homebuyers

When Ed and Ruth Cullen stopped at American West Reserve in Coronado Ranch, they simply wanted to take a casual peek at the beautifully designed and decorated model homes. But “casual” quickly turned to “serious” when the couple fell in love with the Plan 3019.

“My wife and I had been looking at model homes more for entertainment, just to see what was out there for the future.” said Ed Cullen. “When we stopped at Reserve, the decision to buy our first home happened about 15 minutes after we walked through the front door.”

Ed and Ruth had been living with Ruth’s parents for more than four years, saving money and planning for the future.

“Like so many other couples who are waiting to buy their first new home, we didn’t really know where to start. What I realized during the purchasing process with American West is that it all comes together when you meet the right people who are worthy of your trust,” said Ed Cullen.

Ed and Ruth met American West sales consultant Beth Fitzpatrick on that fateful day.

“Beth was very inviting. We had stopped at several other homebuilders and we never received the sort of serious attention Beth gave to us. Beth made starting the process easy,” said Ed Cullen. “It just felt right.”

“American West works very closely with our buyers. We understand the enormity and importance of purchasing a new home, especially a first home,” said Fitzpatrick. “We always take the time to walk our families through the entire process. I really enjoy being part of such a great experience for our families and I can’t wait for Ed and Ruth to move into their new home.”

Ed and Ruth chose the Plan 3019 because of its layout.

“It has an open concept but still maintains distinct spaces within the home. There’s a formal living room and formal dining space and the kitchen and family room. We just love it,” said Ed Cullen.

Ed and Ruth look forward to having their own space and being creative together. However, they did choose four bedrooms and loft to accommodate visitors.

“We’ll have people here all the time. Cousins, lots of cousins, friends and other relatives,” said Cullen.

At 3,019 square feet, the Cullen’s floor plan is the largest home available at American West Reserve. The two-story new home includes four bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms, formal dining and living rooms, a family room and a large upstairs game room. Homebuyers can opt for a guest suite that creates a second master bedroom with an attached bathroom. They also can choose an additional bedroom in lieu of the upstairs game room.

American West Reserve Plan 2492 is a two-story home featuring 2,492 square feet. It includes four bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms, a study, large great room and dining area.

Plan 2769 features four bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, formal living room, a family room, dining and upstairs game room. Homebuyers have the option of changing the upstairs game room to a study or fifth bedroom with a large storage closet or additional bathroom.

All the homes at Reserve are not only ENERGY STAR® certified but also Energy Plus certified. This certification means that your new home is twice as energy efficient than homes that only qualify as ENERGY STAR®.

American West’s energy-saving features come standard and include: 14-SEER natural gas heat and central air-conditioning; increased insulation in exterior walls and ceilings; energy-efficient radiant-heat barrier roof sheathing; Therma-Tru® fully insulated fiberglass 8 foot tall front entry doors; vinyl-framed dual-paned low-e windows and sliding glass doors; a weatherproofing system,  and water-conserving faucets and showerheads.

Coronado Ranch is one of southern Nevada’s fastest-growing communities. Offering incredible convenience, it’s located just minutes from recreational activities such as golf, hiking and cycling and seconds from the 215 Beltway and enviable shopping and dining.

For more information on American West Reserve at Coronado Ranch, visit www.AmericanWestHomes.com or call (702) 308-1111.

Post to Twitter

HALLOWEEN FUN & TIPS

 Pumpkin

 Halloween is here – YEAH!! Time for decorating, dressing up and trick-or-treating, activities that every child enjoys.

 PUMPKIN CARVING TIPS

Good carving starts with the right pumpkin. Choose one that is fresh (with a sturdy stem & no bruises) and that has a flat bottom.

Cut out the lid – a boning knife works best. Cut on an angle (not straight up and down), so the lid won’t drop inside the pumpkin when you replace it).

Remove the pulp. You can buy a special “claw” but an ice-cream scoop will do. Thin the inner wall of the “face” area to 1 1/4 inch thick, so it will be easier to pierce the shell.

When you’re ready to carve the features, hold the pumpkin in your lap so it’s gazing up at you. Don’t cut on a slant; clean up-and-down slices to look best. To make intricate designs, try using a small saw.

Make a tongue out of discarded piece of pumpkin shell.

Keep your pumpkin fresh. Spread petroleum jelly on the cut edges to seal in moisture. If your pumpkin still shrivels a few days later, revive it with a facedown soak in cold water for up to eight hours.

If you like to leave the lid on while the candle is lit, create a chimney. First, leave the lid on for a few minutes while the candle burns, them make a small hole where the lid has blackened.

Sprinkle a little cinnamon inside the lid. When you light the candle, your jack-o’-lantern will smell like a pumpkin pie.

 How do you mend a broken jack-o-lantern? With a pumpkin patch

Why do jack-o-lanterns have stupid smiles on their faces? You’d have a stupid smile too if you just had all your brains scooped out.

 TRICK-OR-TREATING SAFETY TIPS

 ● Carry a bright flashlight to illuminate sidewalks, steps and paths. Check batteries before leaving. Make it more fun for the kids and use glow sticks.

● Make sure the little ones use the restroom before venturing out.

● Serve your kids a filling meal before trick-or-treating and they won’t be tempted to eat any candy before you get a chance to inspect it.

● Be careful when crossing the streets. Make sure to look in both directions and cross only at corners or crosswalks. Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters.

● Try to remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edges of the roadway facing traffic. Never cut across yards or use alleys. .

● Know the route your kids are taking if you aren’t going with them. Let them know they are to check in with you every hour, by phone or by stopping back at home. Give them a time to be home by. Make sure they know how important it is to call if something happens and if they are doing to be delayed in returning home on time.

● Make sure to only go to homes with a porch light on and that kids know to never enter a home or car for a treat.

● Wear comfortable walking shoes.

● Stay away from animals you do not know. Even be careful of those you do know as Halloween can be a bit traumatic for animals.

● Carry a spare Halloween bag just in case.

 Halloween Trivia

 Orange and black are Halloween colors because orange is associated with the Fall harvest and black is associated with darkness and death.

Jack o’ Lanterns originated in Ireland where people placed candles in hollowed-out turnips to keep away spirits and ghosts on the Samhain holiday.

Halloween candy sales average about 2 billion dollars annually in the United States.

Chocolate candy bars top the list as the most popular candy for trick-or-treaters with Snickers #1.

Halloween is the 2nd most commercially successful holiday, with Christmas being the first.

 Halloween Movie Trivia

 1. What is the name of the movie that stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as 3 sister witches?

 2. What is the name of the villain in “Halloween”?

 3. How many times do you say “Beetlejuice” to make him appear?

 4. Who waits to be visited by The Great Pumpkin?

 5. How many “Halloween” movies have been made?

 6. Halloweentown is from what movie?

 We hope that everyone has a great and safe Halloween!

Post to Twitter

AMERICAN WEST FAIRMONT FLOOR PLANS PLEASE BUYERS

Sandstone deserts, majestic mountains, big blue skies … it’s the stunning backdrop of Highlands Ranch located in the southwest part of the valley. At center stage is American West Fairmont, a distinctive southwest valley community bearing all the signature marks of Las Vegas’ largest locally owned homebuilder. 

At Fairmont, home buyers immediately sense the dollar-for-dollar, square-foot-for-square- foot value of the trademark home designs. Inside and out, Fairmont’s homes offer everything families crave—and more. Take for instance The Taylor, the wildly popular split-level home design that spans outward and upward to 2,564 square feet. Ample first-floor storage, an optional extended game room, den, dining room, great room and sky level master suite with study are among the functional comforts of this best selling floor plan.

 The list of highlights for Fairmont’s other new homes is equally impressive. Home buyers can select from six additional floor plans offering up to five bedrooms and a variety of customizable features. With choices ranging from 1,486 to 2,996 square feet, there’s a layout and exterior elevation suited to nearly every taste and lifestyle. Dining islands, master retreats, balconies, oversized walk-in closets and hidden storage areas are just some of the features capturing the attention and imagination of buyers. Amenities include granite tiled kitchen counter tops, cultured marble bath vanities, 13-SEER natural gas and central air-conditioning, energy-efficient radiant heat barrier roof sheathing, water-conserving Moen® faucets and vinyl-framed dual-paned low-e windows and sliding glass doors. Fairmont’s homes are ENERGY STAR® and Energy Plus certified. Certified Energy Plus homes are built to exceed the energy efficiency of a standard home by 30 percent, double ENERGY STAR® standards.  With prices starting from $198,500, home buyers agree that American West Fairmont is nearly impossible to resist.

 The appeal stretches beyond the floor plans, buyers delight in knowing they’ll be surrounded by beauty. Eye-catching pavers define driveways and walkway areas. Highlands Ranch shares the southwest with the best-built master plans in Southern Nevada. Nearby parks, championship golf courses, hiking trails and interconnecting jogging and bike paths await residents.

 Building communities close to schools and services—it’s an American West tradition buyers appreciate.  With convenient access to freeways, fine educational facilities, shopping and dining, Fairmont at Highlands Ranch is no exception. Target, Kohl’s, Cost Plus and Ross are just a few of the stores catering to the area. Where quiet country meets modern conveniences—that’s American West Fairmont at Highlands Ranch.

 To visit, take 1-15 south to Blue Diamond Road and exit west. Turn south on Decatur Boulevard and west on Adrian Fog. Sales office is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  For more information about American West Fairmont, please call (702) 853-4582. Visit www.AmericanWestHomes.com to discover more about American West’s innovative Las Vegas communities.

Post to Twitter

Top Reasons to Buy A Brand New American West Home

     1.   Low Interest Rates

Mortgage rates have returned to near-record lows. Monthly payments are extremely affordable. Together with our Preferred Lenders, we can remove the barriers that keep your dream of owning a new home from becoming a reality.

     2.   Energy Efficiency

American West’s homes are certified as both ENERGY STAR® and Energy Plus. This means that your new home exceeds the energy efficiency of a standard home by 30 percent, double homes that only qualify as ENERGY STAR®  Energy-efficient features in our homes include a 14-SEER natural gas heat and electric central air-conditioning with Puronâ; radiant heat barrier roof sheathing; programmable setback thermostat; R-13 insulation in exterior walls and R-30 insulation in ceilings; Prime Wrap® house wrap; fiberglass front-entry door; vinyl-framed, dual-pane low-e windows and sliding glass door; 50-gallon quick-recovery natural gas water heater; and Super-Flow water management system.

You will not find these features in all new homes but you will find them in an American West home. The best part is that all these features are included in the purchase price of your new home and mean significant energy cost savings to you.

     3.   Great Selection and Superior Locations

American West offers homes in a wide variety of beautiful home designs located throughout the Las Vegas valley. Our home designs range from 1,218 to 4,770 square feet.  American West builds an amazingly wide variety of homes in only the most spectacular locations. Our variety of home designs offer something for everyone. We have a home that will meet your family’s needs.

Today’s families spend more time at home and place a greater importance on the community in which they reside than ever before. Understanding this importance has led American West to pioneer communities in the most desirable Southern Nevada locations. Being a local builder, gives American West an understanding most builders don’t have. Our company has the foresight and knowledge of area amenities and growth throughout the Las Vegas valley. We are committed to designing communities and neighborhoods to the best advantage of our homebuyers.   

An ideal location, award-winning home designs, and community conveniences beyond compare – they all come together at any of the 10 American West communities located throughout the Las Vegas valley. Whether buyers are drawn to the state-of-the-art schools, the nearby shopping and dining, the ideal setting, or our innovative home designs, one thing is for certain, they come to American West knowing they’ll find homes suited to their styles and lifestyle.

     4.   Confidence and Reassurance

Purchasing a new home is one of the biggest investments that you will make in your lifetime. Today’s home buyers are seeking homes constructed by quality builders with established track records, who stand behind their homes. American West is a local, privately owned business that has been building in the Las Vegas valley for over 25 years with thousands of happy homeowners. American West is the only builder in the nation who has won the ACE Award for construction excellence twice. Dollar for dollar, square foot for square foot, no builder offers more value than American West. You can take comfort that your new home is built by Southern Nevada’s #1 Home Builder.

     5.   Design Excellence

With over 200 awards from local, regional and national industry peers, American West continues to be among the elite who remain on the cutting edge of design and quality. This award-winning status is due in large part to what have become American West hallmarks – traditional styling, large homes, customizing opportunities, quality and state-of-the-art technology. Our creative artisans focus on innovative design and ensure high quality – resulting in homes that define family living.

     6.   Unbeatable Investment

Purchasing a new home is still one of the best long term investments anyone can make today. Even in down markets, over the long term home prices still appreciate more than the stock market.

 Statement from Larry Canarelli, President of American West:

“I put my name on every home American West builds.  I’m proud of that.  Knowing from our homeowners that they’re pleased with their home brings the greatest delight to me as a home builder,” Canarelli said. “My dream has always been to provide beautiful, affordable homes that all families could live in. That dream turned into a reality and can be seen throughout the 71 neighborhorhoods that American West has built throughout the Las Vegas valley. We look forward to helping make the dream of a new home come true for you and your family.”

Post to Twitter

Drowning Prevention

As the heat is rising in Las Vegas, people are spending more time in theirs pools to try and stay cool. Unfortunately, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional deaths in Southern Nevada for young children. Constant adult supervision is essential to preventing childhood drownings. These tragedies often occur while a caregiver is at home and there is a brief lapse of supervision. 

A drowning can occur in seconds, in any water that cover’s a child’s nose and mouth including pools/spas, inflatable pools, bathtubs, toilets, buckets or natural bodies of water. It is extremely important for everyone to remember the simple rules to stay safe around the water. 

THE A B C & D’S OF DROWNING PREVENTION 

A is for Adult Supervision 

B is for Barriers (for your pool) 

C is for Classes (Swim Lessons & CRP) 

D is for Devices (PFD’s/Life Jackets and Rescue Tools) 

It is also a smart idea to make sure you have a phone by the pool. In the case of an emergency, you do not want to have to run back into the house to look for a phone. 

Here are some helpful links for more information: 

Drowning Preventionhttp://www.gethealthyclarkcounty.org/injury_prev/drowning.html 

The ABC & D’s of Drowning Prevention – Simple Rules to Stay Safe Around Water  http://www.gethealthyclarkcounty.org/injury_prev/abc_drowning.htm 

Please be safe.

Post to Twitter

American West Kensington – Las Vegas’ Most Exciting Executive Homes

Home shoppers looking for executive homes featuring quality and value at an affordable price need to look no further than American West Kensington in Highlands Ranch.  Kensington showcases American West’s dedication to innovative design and superior construction. 

“Home shoppers are continuing to discover that they can get more for their money when buying a brand-new home from American West,” said Larry Canarelli, President of American West. “American West offers more included features than other builders for some of the best prices per square foot in Las Vegas. We believe the families of Las Vegas deserve the superior quality, innovative craftsmanship and outstanding customer service American West is committed to providing our homebuyers. Dollar for dollar, our homes offer more value per square foot than any other builder.” 

The homes at Kensington range from 3,435 to 4,770 square feet and start at $349,500. They feature 4 to 6 bedrooms, 2 ½ to 4 bathrooms, formal living and dining rooms, game rooms, studies, and libraries, depending on the floor plan. Home shoppers are amazed by the 4,770 square foot home with the included elevator. 

The newest addition to this collection of homes is The Lauren. This beautiful 4,375 square foot two-story will take your breath away. The first floor is ideal for all your entertaining needs with both formal and casual living areas. Are you always looking for more space for your family gatherings? The huge family room can accommodate all your family members. There is also a downstairs bedroom which is ideal for your guests. Three additional bedrooms, a full bath, spacious game room and master suite are located on the second floor. The master bath has a huge walk-in closet, double vanity and separate tub and shower. This home has many different customization choices with the ability to add a second master suite to your first floor, a study or an additional bath to the second floor. 

Standard features throughout all the homes include granite-tiled kitchen counter tops, pendant lighting over islands, cultured marble bath vanity tops, custom paving stones and front yard landscaping. Home buyers appreciate the energy conservation standard features knowing that their 14-SEER air-conditioning unit, vinyl dual-paned low-e windows and radiant heat barrier roof will help to keep their energy costs tremendously down.  

The one of a kind location of Highlands Ranch provides convenient access to highways, new schools, brand new retail centers and the adjacent master-planned community of Southern Highlands, where trails and parks are available for public use. 

“Highlands Ranch is the perfect family neighborhood,” Canarelli said. “Residents can get out and walk with their kids or pets and there’s a shopping center just seconds down the road. Home buyers love that they can take advantage of Southern Highlands’ amenities without any of the fees. The whole area brings back the feeling of a classic family community.” 

To visit Kensington at Highlands Ranch, take 1-15 south to Blue Diamond Road and exit west. Turn south on Decatur Boulevard, follow the signs to the model homes.

Model homes are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For additional information, visit  AmericanWestHomes.com or call (702) 853-4580.

The Lauren - 4,375 Sq. Ft.

Post to Twitter

American West Lexington – Affordable Living from $178,500

American West Lexington in Highlands Ranch brings affordable living to a whole new level. Homebuyers immediately sense the dollar-for-dollar, square-foot-for-square- foot value of the trademark home designs. Inside and out, Lexington offers everything families crave—and more.

“American West Lexington at Highlands Ranch is an extension of the quality homes that American West has been building in Southern Nevada for over 25 years,” Larry Canarelli, president of American West, said. “Our homebuyers are amazed by the price per square foot and quality we offer in one of the most popular areas of southern Nevada. Lexington’s home designs appeal to today’s buyers who are seeking spacious and affordable new homes.”

Lexington features four floor plans ranging from 1,216 to 2,188 square feet with up to four bedrooms. Prices start at $178.500.

The homes at Lexington are designed with desert living and energy efficiency in mind.

“Our architects designed Lexington while considering the environment and energy conservation,” Canarelli said. “Each home has received the designation of Energy Plus for meeting and exceeding efficiency requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency by our inclusion of efficient building products. This rating means that each home is at least 30% more energy efficient than current National Home Building Standards and 15% more energy efficient than homes that qualify only as ENERGY STAR®.”

Energy-efficient features include a 14-SEER natural gas heat and electric central air-conditioning with Puron®; radiant heat barrier roof sheathing; programmable setback thermostat; R-13 insulation in exterior walls and R-30 insulation in ceilings; Prime Wrap® house wrap; fiberglass front-entry door; vinyl-framed, dual-pane low-e windows and sliding glass door; 50-gallon quick-recovery natural gas water heater; and Super-Flow water management system.

“In addition to including these energy-efficient features in each home, home buyers will discover that many highly desired design features are included in each Lexington home that other builders may consider as ‘upgrades,’” Canarelli said. “We are conscious to provide what today’s buyers really want in their homes. They definitely get more with their money with the purchase of an American West home.”

Each home includes ceramic-tile entries; granite-tile kitchen counter tops; decorative pendant lighting over kitchen islands; Whirlpool dishwasher and self-cleaning oven custom cabinetry with satin chrome drawer knobs and door handles; cultured-marble vanity tops; luxurious deluxe spa shower in master bath; raised-panel interior doors; and a 10-year structural assurance plan.

Highlands Ranch residents enjoy the convenient access to new parks, schools, retail developments and shopping in the burgeoning southwestern valley. “As a builder, we believe in giving our homebuyers all the benefits of master-plan living with out any additional fees such as a SID or LID.” Canarelli said.

To visit Lexington, take Interstate 15 to Blue Diamond Road exit and head west. Turn south on Jones. Turn east on Richmar. Lexington is located on corner of Jones and Richmar. The sales office is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

For more information about Lexington, visit www.AmericanWestHomes.com or call (702) 853-4597.

1,216 Sq. Ft.

The Allison - 1,216 Sq. Ft.

The Brady - 1,486 Sq. Ft.

The Brady - 1,486 Sq. Ft.

The Camryn - 1,641 Sq. Ft.

The Camryn - 1,641 Sq. Ft.

The David - 2,188 Sq. Ft.

The David - 2,188 Sq. Ft.

Post to Twitter

Helpful Tips for Earth Day

This year is the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. Unfortunately even after 40 years of this celebration, the world is in greater peril than ever. Earth Day 2010 is a great opportunity to get involved and we would like to provide you with some tips on how this can easily be done.

Things You Can Do:

● Use programmable thermostats and recommended temperature and settings.

● Reduce idle electricity use (unplug or shut off unused electronics, set your computer to hibernate, turn off unused lights). Every year, U.S. households spend $100 to power devices while they are in “standby” mode.

● Waste less food.

● Reduce incandescent bulbs with CRL’s.

● Maintain your vehicle properly (oil grade, engine tuning, tire inflation).

● Attend to water leaks and cut heat loss (use caulking/weather stripping).

● Use hot water more efficiently in your home (lower the temperature setting of water heater, wash in cold water, use efficient faucets and showerheads).

● Opt for Energy Star appliances when replacing a refrigerator or dishwasher. 

Some interesting facts and tips for you from simplesteps.com : 

FACT: If a quarter of the households in the United States replaces incandescent with one CFL, it would save as much CO2 as planting 257,215 acres of forest.
TIP: CFL’s with a Kelvin temperature between 3,000k and 3,500k will give off the familiar warm glow of incandescents.

FACT: Up to 50 percent of the average household’s energy consumption goes to heating and cooling the home.
TIP: Seal all window edges and cracks with caulk, reducing the energy consumed to maintain indoor temperature.

FACT: Every year, the U.S. uses 100 billion plastic bags consuming about 12 million barrels of oil.
TIP: When shopping at the grocery store, or even the mall, bring a reusable bag.

FACT: Americans threw away more than 100 million cell phones in 2006. Recycling them could have saved enough energy to power approximately 194,000 U.S. households for one year.
TIP: It’s one of the 3 R’s! Reduce, Reuse and Recycle!

In the words of Dr. Seuss in his classic book, “The Lorax”. 

“But now,” says the Once-ler,
“Now that you’re here, the word of the Lorax seems perfectly clear.
UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.
It’s not.”
 

Let’s help to make this Earth Day the most successful one yet. Happy Earth Day!

Post to Twitter