Save Money While You Save the Earth

Get started with these four simple “Green Tips” from
The Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition

Everyone can contribute to the worldwide effort to slow and reverse the effects of carbon build-up in our atmosphere by reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and reducing consumer waste.

LIVE GREEN: Install compact fluorescent lightbulbs. Today’s quality is “light years” better than first-generation CFLs. Save energy (75% less electricity) and money ($83 over life of bulb). Unplug chargers and appliances when not in use. These “electricity vampires” keep drawing power even when powered off.

EAT GREEN: Eat local produce. Buy Garden State produce at the Hoboken Farmers Market every Tuesday until October from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Washington St. between Observer Highway and Newark St. Going on vacation? Find a farmers market by visiting www.ams.usda or localharvest.org, or sustainabletable.org.

SHOP GREEN: Look for the Energy Star label, when you buy a new electronic appliance. The designation was established by the U.S. Dept. of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to ensure more efficient electricity use. Go to www.energystar.gov to see if you may be eligible for a tax credit on the purchase.

GO GREEN: Kick the car habit. You can eliminate 1,600 pounds of greenhouse gases a year just by leaving your car at home twice a week. Organize a carpool, or rent a low-cost bike from HoBiken at Symposia Bookstore, 510 Washington St., www.hobiken.com, or check out www.ZipCar.com for short-term rentals.

Over the next year, The Quality of Life Coalition will present more “Green Tips” on a monthly basis, as well as organize a series of events featuring climate-friendly guidance. Look for news on our website, www.qlchoboken.org, in the Hoboken Reporter, on Hoboken411.com and in other local news media.

The first green events, “Wake Up to Green,” a series of meetings with environmental experts, start the week of Sept. 24, leading up to a new feature at the annual Fall Arts & Music Fest, Sept. 30 – a “Green Street.” The QLC, in conjunction with Geri Fallo, Hoboken’s Director of Cultural Affairs, is planning to pack an entire city block with more than 20 booths representing green organizations, products and specialists. More details will follow soon.

Last revised on January 18, 2008

The Quality of Life Coalition
P O Box 1195
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone - 201-963-3511