1.  Recycling
Recycling conserves our natural resources by reducing the need for raw materials.  Recycling reduces our reliance on landfills, and reduces water pollution, water and energy use, and air pollution.

The City of Mesa offers several recycling programs and services. 

2.  Alternative Eco-friendly Transportation
Walk, bike, or roll whenever you can to reduce gasoline consumption and air pollution.

3.  Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can help to coordinate indoor climates to your schedule, increasing comfort and reducing energy waste.  Every degree above 80, you can save approximately 2 to 3 percent on your cooling costs.

4.   Ceiling Fans
Use your ceiling fan in the summer and adjust your thermostat up a degree or two when using your ceiling fan.  This simple step will not only save energy but will save you money.  

5.   Solar Power Panels
A solar electric (also referred to as solar photovoltaic) system converts sunlight directly to electricity and is typically mounted on your roof. It will provide electricity for your home and work any time the sun is shining. Solar electricity is a clean, renewable source of energy! Visit srpnet.com for more information.

6.   Attic Insulation
Make sure your house is well insulated. The easiest and most cost-effective way to insulate your home is to add insulation in the attic. To find out if you have enough, measure the thickness of the insulation. If there is less than R-22, you could probably benefit from adding more. 

7.   Tubular Skylight
The natural light from this can illuminate closets, hallways, bathrooms and other spaces that typically would not have access to sunlight, decreasing the need for electric lighting. 

8.  Air Conditioning Units and Heat Pumps
Replacing older air conditioning and heat pump units with a new 13 SEER or higher (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings) system can save you 40 to 45 percent on your cooling bill.  Make sure the units are sized correctly for your home. Having a correctly-sized unit is more efficient than an oversized unit.

*Remember to replace your air filter each month.

9.  Gray Water Irrigation
Gray water (used household water from clothes washers, bathtubs, bathroom sinks, and showers) can be used to water your landscape, saving money and our valuable water.  However, you must follow state, county, and city guidelines.  Call ADEQ at 800-234-5677, ext. 4464. 

10.  Convert to Xeriscape
A low water use landscape or Xeriscape needs one-half to two-thirds less water than an equally sized Bermuda lawn, and there are hundreds of beautiful low water using plants to choose from.

11.  Natural Gas Water Heaters 
Today's gas water heaters are more efficient than ever, using 35 percent less gas than older models. Natural gas flames provide instant heat, which means a gas water heater heats more water per hour than an electric water heater. Tankless water heaters heat on demand. 

 *The recommended setting for your water heater is 120 degrees.

12. Environmentally Friendly Vehicles
Hybrid/alternative fuel vehicles are better for the environment and provide better mileage and lower emissions.

13. Energy Star Rated Appliances
When buying an appliance, remember that it has two price tags: what you pay to take it home and what you pay for the energy and water it uses. ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies that use 10 to 50 percent less energy and water than standard models.

14.   Natural Gas Oven and Range
Foods can cook faster and more evenly with natural gas. With a gas flame, there's no waiting for the burner to warm up or cool down.  The pilot-less ignition of newer models eliminates the need for a standing pilot light. This means that the flame burns only when the gas is turned on, cutting your gas usage by about one third.  

15.  Aerated Faucet
Aerated faucets and showerheads mix water with air, reducing your water usage by as much as 70 percent.

16.  Showers
Use a low-flow showerhead and time your shower to keep it under five minutes.  You’ll save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

17.   Natural Gas Clothes Dryer
Natural gas dryers dry clothes faster and more evenly as a result of better temperature control from the natural gas flame. New high-efficiency gas dryers feature pilot-less ignition, automatic shut-off, sensor controls, de-wrinkling cycles and automatic cooling-down cycles.  

18.   Low Flow
If your toilet is older than 15 years, consider replacing it with a new 1.6 gallon per flush model.

Put food coloring in your toilet tank.  If it seeps into the bowl, you have a leak.  It’s easy to fix, by replacing the flapper, and you can save more than 600 gallons a month.

19.   Washing Dishes
When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while rinsing.  Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.  If you use your dishwasher, only run it with full loads.

20.  Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFL’s)
CFL’s provide bright, warm light but use about 75 percent less energy than standard lighting, produce 75 percent less heat, and last up to 10 times longer.