Living Green in Hercules


F.O.H Volunteers promote "green living"
at community events in Hercules.

Below: Low cost sprinklers conserve water use in backyards.


Mulch and native plants reduce needs for water.

Below: Drip system on potted plants saves both water and time.


P.G.E. has school programs for study of renewable energy. www.letsgreenthiscity.com

 

 


Below: Walking & biking paths along Bay Trail at
Shoreline Park will eventually lead to train and ferry depots in Hercules.

  

Information Available on Websites

Renewable Energy Saves Wildlife:
 http://www.audubon-center.org/energy.htm

Calculate Your Footprint
 Click here

Dispose of Hazardous Waste- Free!
 http://www.recyclemore.com  for residences in Hercules

Tips for Energy Conservation at Home:

PG&E is asking customers to:
  • Set thermostat at 78 degrees or higher
  • Cool with fans instead of air conditioners
  • Draw the drapes
  • Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances
  • Use major appliances early in the day, or later at night

Water Conservation Techniques Now Critical: www.ebmud 
WATER CONSERVATION TIPS
Indoors

  • High-Efficiency Toilet: You can save up to 60 percent by replacing your older (pre-1992) toilet with a new High-Efficiency Toilet (HET). HETs use advanced technology to improve water efficiency and improve flushing performance. For a limited time, CCWD is offering rebates of up to $175 per qualifying toilet.  For a list of qualifying HET models and program guidelines, look here.
     
  • High-Efficiency Clothes Washer: By replacing your older top-loading clothes washer with a new high-efficiency model, you can save a significant amount of water and energy. High-efficiency washers use 50 percent less water and energy than conventional washers, and they are kinder to your clothes.  For a limited time, CCWD is offering rebates of up to $100. For a list of qualifying models and program guidelines, look here.
     
  • Leaks: Check for leaks in your toilets by adding food coloring to the water in the Tank.  If the color appears in the bowl within ten minutes, it means you have a leak. Typically, the leak is a result of the water level being set too high or the flapper may need to be replaced. Leaks can cause a significant water waste in an otherwise conserving household, so get them fixed!

Outdoors

  • Landscape Watering Schedule: Managing your landscape watering schedule can be the single biggest water saving action you can take!  Automatic sprinkler timers can be a great tool to save time, but if not managed, they can automatically waste water every day. Adjust the watering schedule at least monthly to reflect changes in the weather.  Inspect your landscape, including the soil moisture, to determine if and when you need to water.  For a typical home, reducing the watering schedule by one-minute on each sprinkler station will save more than 50 gallons per day!
     
  • Mulch: Apply a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch to your landscape. This will reduce water evaporation by up to 70 percent. It will also reduce weeds and keep your plants’ roots cool in the summer.
     
  • Lawn: Turf grass or lawn is the single biggest water using plant in most home landscapes. Consider replacing some or all of your lawn with a beautiful garden. There are many plants that will thrive in Contra Costa County

      More Information

Paper or Plastic? Try a reusable canvas bag.
 Now on sale at Lucky's and Safeway.

Alternative Transportation:
West CAT: http://www.westcat.org/
Click above for schedule of services throughout Hercules.
The Lynx offers rapid transit to San Francisco every 30 minutes.

Bike Paths and Routes In Hercules
Bike Trails Council of the East Bay  http://www.btceb.org/

Below: Neighborhood biking club    More Information