Take part in the Spring/Summer Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge, now through August 31st! Join your neighbors to save water and energy in your home, save money, and create a healthier Contra Costa for everyone.
Check out some popular Challenge Actions this summer:
Save on utility bills with some new strategies in your home! Simple things like closing drapes to keep the sunshine out during the day and using a fan can lower your AC energy use up to 15% and save you money. You can also try turning your AC off and opening your windows at night to cool your home. Then in the morning, shut the windows and curtains or blinds to capture the cool air.
Whether you have AC or not, a fan can help keep your home cooler during the summer. When you use a fan with your AC, you can usually set your thermostat 4°F higher and still stay comfortable. Check out this Action on the Cleaner Contra Challenge for more tips!
Are you creating a beautiful garden this summer? Give your plants just enough water by conserving--it's estimated that some homeowners over-irrigate by as much as 60%. Try reducing your watering schedule a bit. Overwatering can stress out your plants, and most don't need to be watered every day. If you're concerned about water retention, you can also try a layer of mulch or compost.
When rinsing your produce, catch the water in a dish and use it to water your plants! Or you can even gather water used as your shower heats up--don't let it go down the drain. You can also plant California native plants to save water. Learn more at our Sustainability LIVE show this month: "Enhance Your Backyard Habitat with Natives".
If you're looking to save money on your utility bills this summer, try a home energy checkup! You can take part in an energy checkup without leaving your home, and identify the best options for improving your home's energy use and air quality. You can take advantage of a virtual Green House Call from Rising Sun. Fill out a 10 minute online survey, and they will send you free items to improve your home, such as a low-flow showerhead, a power strip, light bulbs, toilet leak detection tablets, and more!
According to the Department of Energy, implementing the energy upgrades recommended in a Home Energy Audit can save 5%-30% on your monthly energy bill. These improvements will also lead to increased comfort—a warmer, cozier home in the winter and a cooler home in the summer. Many of these improvements lead to improved air quality and a healthier and safer home.
To explore more Actions or join the Challenge, check out CleanerContraCosta.org.
There's still time to earn prizes!
Anyone who participates in the Challenge may receive a free yard of mulch from EcoMulch and be entered into a drawing to win a water-trough planter filled with soil, a $150 value!
If you are one of the first 100 individuals to reach 5,000 points, you can receive a Tread Lightly Toolkit, which includes a reusable bamboo utensil set, a reusable stainless steel straw, and more!
If you are part of the top team in each region- East, Central, and West Contra Costa County - you will be recognized by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and each team member will receive a Tread Lightly Toolkit.
For more details and instructions to claim prizes, check out our Cleaner CoCo Challenge Prize Information.
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