February may be classified as the month of love, but it doesn’t have to be limited to your significant other. As a supporter of sustainability and an enhanced ecosystem, Carolina Fibre looks for ways in everyday life to protect the environment. We’ve made Mother Nature our valentine this year, and have laid out these five easy tips for “greening” the Earth.

1. Replace Home Appliances with Energy Efficient Models 
A significant portion of homes’ energy is dedicated to running appliances. Replacing them with energy efficient models can reduce emissions by up to 3,000 pounds per year. Today’s major appliances don’t use the same level of power as older models because they’re required to meet federal energy efficiency standards. Look for the Energy Star® label when choosing which appliances save the most money on your power bill. These models are the most energy efficient in any product category.
2. Purchase a Vehicle With At Least 30 Miles Per Gallon 
Specific brands and types of cars may be visually appealing, but lacking in fuel efficiency. Luckily car manufacturers realize the shift in consumers’ green views and are steadily producing and promoting high performing miles-per-gallon automobiles. A vehicle that gets at least 30 miles per gallon reduces carbon dioxide by approximately 2,500 pounds a year over a car that gets 10 miles less. Review the Environmental Protection Agency approval guidelines to find the best eco-friendly, affordable car for you.
3. Walk, Bike, Carpool or Use Mass Transit When Possible 
It’s more common than ever to see single riders driving to and from work. This may improve our self-sufficiency and independence, but the major increase in CO2 emissions from vehicles does not benefit the environment. Every gallon of gasoline saved diverts 22 pounds of CO2 emissions, and driving 10 miles less per week eliminates about 500 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per year. If walking is an option, take advantage of the health benefits associated with it. Every mile walked burns about 100 calories—improve the ecosystem and energize your body for long-term gains.
4. Use Environmentally-Friendly Cleaning Supplies 
There was a time when our world didn’t think twice about toxic chemicals found in cleaning products. As long as kitchen counters and floors shined, we were happy. But with evidence that older cleaning supplies negatively affect on our health, people are extremely cautious about what they buy. Seek out more natural cleaning products that contain organic ingredients like beeswax, coconut oil, baking soda, citrus oil, vinegar and cleaning salt. Make sure to dispose of any harmful cleaning supplies properly following the Cleaning Institute® guidelines.
5. Request a Home Energy Audit to Pinpoint Energy Wasters 
An energy audit provides information about how much energy homes consume and suggests what can be corrected to improve energy savings. The average family in the United States pays over $3,000 in utility bills per year and a thorough audit can cut that price in half. Energy assessments include checking insulation, leaks, ductwork and appliances. Request an audit from a professional technician to maximize energy efficiency and start saving money!
Sustainability is all about changing our everyday habits we often don’t think twice about, whether it’s running the air conditioning 24/7 or avoiding taking the bus because we feel more secure in our cars. Carolina Fibre Corporation is a Greensboro, NC recycler, and we operate our facilities with a primary focus on sustainability.