Vision Atascadero aims to provide citizens with information that enables them to make choices which lead to a long-term sustainable future, both locally and globally, without sacrificing economic vitality or an enjoyable lifestyle.

Ten Simple Earth-Saving Steps for Atascadero Residents

1. Save energy on lighting.
   Invest in compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). CFLs are available at local hardware stores like Grisanti's and DeCou for approximately $1/bulb.The next time you buy Christmas lights, get LEDs. They cost a bit more initially but return the investment in saved energy costs within a couple of years.
2. Reduce use of disposable paper and plastic.
   Reusable cloth bags for are affordable and available. Donate paper or plastic shopping bags to Loaves and Fishes for recycling. Avoid paper plates, napkins, cups, etc. Invest in picnic/outdoor items you can reuse.
3. Look for less packaging when you shop.
   For example, concentrated laundry products use less water, less plastic, and are easier to transport. Individual disposable water bottles are extremely wasteful. Instead, use a bottle that can be refilled at home.
4. Make your car travel more earth-friendly: carpool whenever possible.
   Check the tire pressure on your tires; low pressure uses more gas. Switch to an energy-saving car when you can.
5. Save energy on appliances and heating/cooling.
   Lower the temperature on your thermostat in winter; raise it in summer. Even a few degrees will make a difference in energy consumption and electric bills. Make sure new appliances are energy-savers. Check with PG&E for rebates: www.pge.com/rebates.
6. Save water indoors.
   Don't leave water running when you're cleaning the kitchen, brushing teeth, etc. Run washers and dishwashers with full loads. Look for water-saving appliances when you replace yours. High Efficiency Washers, for example, are eligible for up to a $400 rebate through Smart Rebates. Call 1-800-LO-Flush.
7. Invest in earth-friendly, drought tolerant landscapes.
   Use drip irrigation. Consult local nurseries like Bay Laurel and Moore's and landscape professionals like Madrone Landscapes to modify landscaping and reduce outdoor water usage. Atascadero Mutual Water offers indoor and outdoor water-saving ideas. Contact Jaime Lien at 461-7217, X17, for suggestions
8. Dispose of tech items and other products safely.
   Watch the paper for collection events that provide safe disposal of your items or look in the recycling guide/green pages of the phone directory for disposal sites. Chicago Grade (466-2985) is open Saturdays from 11 a.m.to 3 p.m. for hazardous waste disposal. They will take up to 15 gallons, including the container. They also take TVs and CRTs.
9. Dispose of batteries safely.
   Battery Systems—5265 Traffic Way (466-4749) accepts lead acid auto batteries. Consult www.iwma.com for a list of businesses that will accept household batteries, fluorescent tubes, and CFLs.
10. Patronize local businesses that support earth-friendly construction:
    Green Goods, Hydro Smart, Obispo Pacific, Semmes & Co. Builders, and Solarponics Energy Systems.

A Green Building Checklist From Semmes & Co. Highly recommended, especially if one is just starting the design process. • Link to the Checklist Green Building Supplies Green Goods Eco-Friendly Building Supplies 6100 B El Camino Real Atascadero, CA 93422 805 462 9900 www.slogreengoods.com Semmes & Co. Builders, Inc Green Builder Turko and BJ Semmes 7900 El Camino real 805=466-6737 email website Solarponics Energy Systems 8981 La Linia, Unit H Atascadero, CA 93422 805-466-5595 www.solarponics.com Landscaping Supplies Bay Laurel Nursery & Garden Center Nursery - Garden Marcia Guelff, Nancy Price, Carolyn Gilmann 2500 El Camino Real 466-3449 Custom Works Landscape Landscaping Ryan Kleefisch 6807 Portola Rd 805-275-2276 email website Madrone Landscapes Inc Landscape & Design & Construction Rick Mathews 8045 Morro Rd. 805-466-6263 email website Moore's Western Nursery Plant Nursery Robert and Marilee Paver 8255 Morro Road 805-466-2234

Atascadero xeriscape designed by Madrone