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Citizen Connection Nov 2019Winter weather has arrived, but that doesn’t mean your energy bill has to soar with colder temperatures. Taking the simple actions listed below can help you save energy and money during the chilly months ahead. • Audit it. The City offers a free home energy audit to utility customers in good standing, which can help to lower your electric bill. A certified energy auditor will utilize diagnostic tools to reveal thermal flaws in your home. • Service it. Remember to service your HVAC system this fall, and replace filters at least every three months. • Use tech. When you’re home, stay warm and cozy, and when you’re away, turn the heat down. A programmable or smart thermostat allows you to do this and save energy. • Heat smart. Change the direction of your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise. Warm air naturally rises, so doing this will recirculate it downard. • Light right. LED light bulbs save money by using 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs. STAY WARM THIS WINTER WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK • Lock it down. Locking your windows creates a better seal between the window and the weather stripping, which will help to keep the cold air out. This can make a big difference in your heating bill. • Use the sun. During the day, open shades on south-facing windows to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close all shades at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows. • Learn more. Visit www.sustainabledenton.com for additional information about conservation tips, workshops, energy-efficiency rebates, or to request a free energy audit for your home or small business. CITIZEN CONNECTION NOVEMBER 2019 CIT Y OF DENTON WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR YARD WASTE THIS FALL As of Oct. 1, curbside yard waste collection is now a subscription-based, opt-in service. Residents who subscribe to the updated service have two subscription options: • They may place yard waste in paper kraft bags and pay a $1 monthly fee, • Or they can purchase a yard waste cart for a one-time fee of $20 and pay a $0.50 monthly fee. These two new subscription options have several benefits, such as the reduction of waste generated by the use of compostable paper bags instead of plastic, and the ease of use that comes with a cart. During these autumn months, you may have an excess of yard waste, and by disposing of leaves, yard trimmings, twigs, small branches, and even leftover pumpkins in a yard waste cart or kraft bag, you can reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill. Instead, your waste will be sent to the City’s Beneficial Reuse Division and be composted. To opt-in to this service, call (940) 349-8700. A publication of the City of Denton Public Communications Office ADA/EOE/ADEA • TDD (800) 735-2989 • www.cityofdenton.com Questions about the Denton Citizen Connection? Call (940) 349-8171. THANKSGIVING – There will be no curbside trash, recycling, or yard waste collection, and the landfill will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28. Thursday’s pickup will move to Friday. CHRISTMAS – There will be no curbside trash, recycling, or yard waste collection, and the landfill will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 25. Wednesday’s pickup will move to Thursday; and Thursday’s pickup will move to Friday. Tuesday, Dec. 24 pickup will stay the same. NEW YEAR’S DAY – There will be no curbside trash, recycling, or yard waste collection and the landfill will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Wednesday’s pickup will move to Thursday; and Thursday’s pickup will move to Friday. Tuesday, Dec. 31 pickup will stay the same. City of Denton administrative offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29; Tuesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 25; and Wednesday, Jan. 1. HOLIDAY COLLECTION SCHEDULE AND CLOSINGS The holiday season is upon us, and this is the perfect time to start incorporating new sustainable practices into your daily life. These practices will not only help you reduce waste, but they can also help you choose items that can be reused or recycled. 1. Buy Smart! When buying holiday decorations, purchase items that can be reused each year. By reusing, you can build up a great collection of décor and also save money in the long run. Buying smart also includes buying products that consume less electricity. LED lights not only use less electricity but also last longer. 2. Put waste in its place! Disposing waste material properly is important. Check to see if you are only recycling materials that are acceptable in our recycling program. If you have too much to fit in your recycling cart, you can request a second one by calling (940) 349-8700, or take items to one of the City’s convenient recycling drop-off centers. Learn more by visiting www.dentonrecycles.com. 3. Reduce! It’s important to look for everyday ways we can reduce waste. This includes using a reusable water bottle, taking your lunch to work, and saying no to products like styrofoam. START YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS EARLY WITH THESE 5 SUSTAINABLE LIVING TIPS 4. Volunteering! This is another great way to get involved and do something meaningful to support your community. There are tons of great opportunities such as participating in a litter clean up or serving meals at a local food pantry. Check out www.servedenton.com to learn more! 5. Get Creative! Consider adding a personal touch to your gifts this year by making your own. If getting crafty isn’t for you, no problem. You can also add a personal touch by purchasing unique gifts from local stores or the Community Market. Do you have a unique tradition that makes the holidays a bit greener? Share it on www.facebook.com/sustainabledenton.