Las Colinas Green Neighbor Checklist

Neighborhood University Hills

Phone/Email

Check those activities which apply to your "green" habits. Each item is worth one point. Please add the number of points you have accumulated and write it in the "total" box.

Energy Efficient Homes

 1 Switch to fluorescent bulbs in all fixtures that can use such bulbs.

 2 Use a front-loading washer.

 3 Install flow restrictors on all shower heads.

 4 Have R-30 or better insulation throughout the attic.

 5 Use only air conditioners with a SEER rating of at least 14.

 6 Use double-pane glass on all windows and doors.

 7 Have all water-saver toilets.

 8 Use a tankless water heater.

 9 Use a programmable thermostat to adjust temperatures during less used times or regularly do

    do this manually.

10 Operate winter heating at 68 degrees or lower and summer cooling at 78 degrees or higher.

11 Use ceiling fans in most rooms.

Water-wise landscapes

12 Mulch all grass clippings instead of bagging them as trash.

13 Use a core aerator to open up pores in the lawn. This allows oxygen and water to penetrate deeper.

14  Minimize fertilizer use and limit fertilizers to only those containing 60% slow release nitrogen.

15 Use bark mulching around trees and beds to conserve water.

16 Check sprinkler systems for leaks, clogs, and breakdowns. Fix accordingly.

17 Test sprinkler to ensure they provide even coverage.

18 Weed lawns regularly because of the water they absorb.

19 Manually turn on sprinkler systems only when needed or install a moisture sensor that skips

     run cycles when wet.

20 Reduce water runoff by watering more frequently for shorter intervals.

21 Taper off the amount of water used. Plants will adapt to requiring less water.

22 Report water waste to the City of Irving.

Preferred Practices

23 Regularly commute to work via car pool, public transportation, walking or bicycling.

24 Regularly walk for all trips of one half mile or less.

25 Regularly use a vehicle that has a highway fuel rating of at least 30 miles per gallon .

26 Regularly plan bundled vehicular shopping trips rather than multiple single purpose trips.

27 Regularly recycle glass, metal, and plastics in blue bags.

28 Regularly recycle newsprint and other paper.

29 Regularly encourage neighbors and others to participate in environmentally friendly habits l

30 Adopt a new habit not included on this list (describe below).

TOTAL POINTS…………..