13 going green myths busted

The truth about when to turn off lights or use your air conditioner.
By Andy Simmons

Busting the green myths

Busting the green myths
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The truth about when to turn off lights or use your air conditioner.

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Myth: You should always turn off the lights every time you leave the room

Myth: You should always turn off the lights every time you leave the room
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Fact: Turn off incandescents if you’re leaving the room for more than five seconds; CFLs, if you’ll be gone at least 15 minutes.

Myth: You don’t really need to unplug small electronic devices

Myth: You don’t really need to unplug small electronic devices
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Fact: Unplug. Even easier, plug everything into power strips with on/off switches. Keeping things unplugged is better for the environment – plus, it’ll save you a lot of money.

Myth: Washing in cold water won’t get your clothes clean

Myth: Washing in cold water won’t get your clothes clean
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Truth: Washing your clothes in warm or even cold water will get rid of almost any grime, except for the worst dirt or oily stains. Switch from hot to warm water to cut energy use in half; cold, to cut it even more.

Myth: It’s better to wash dishes by hand

Myth: It’s better to wash dishes by hand
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Fact: Use the dishwasher, but stick to full loads, use the pot-scrubber option only if necessary and hit the no-heat or air-dry option.

Myth: Scour clean every jar you plan to recycle

Myth: Scour clean every jar you plan to recycle
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Fact: Don’t fret over getting that peanut butter jar squeaky clean. Rinse out what you can, then recycle.

Myth: Leave soda bottle tops on for recycling

Myth: Leave soda bottle tops on for recycling
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Fact: Off with their heads! Or just stop buying plastic bottles altogether.

Myth: Paper is better than plastic. Or, plastic is better than paper.

Myth: Paper is better than plastic. Or, plastic is better than paper.
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Fact: Paper and plastic are both lousy choices. Grocery shop with your own reusable canvas bags.

Myth: In public restrooms, paper towels are better than hot air dryers

Myth: In public restrooms, paper towels are better than hot air dryers
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Fact: If there’s a choice, go for the hot air.

Myth: It’s fine to leave your computer on when you leave work for the day

Myth: It’s fine to leave your computer on when you leave work for the day
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Fact: If you won’t be using your machine for 20 minutes, turn off the monitor. If it won’t be needed for more than two hours, turn off the computer.

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