Practical Application

1. Review the Using This Guide: Influencing Occupant Behavior for general tips on how to implement an residential engagement program.
2. Educate occupants on personal contributions.
   
   • Raise awareness. Where possible, provide information to residents that can allow them to compare their energy consumption with that of their neighbors.
   • Develop residents’ understanding and skills. Distribute educational materials including information on acceptable recycling materials. Consider starting green cleaning, gardening and composting, and efficient landscaping and irrigation practices. Initiate IPM protocols, with specific emphasis on local pests, including applicable self-help techniques. 
3. Educate residents on which electronics and appliances are dual voltage (i.e., 110/220 volt (V)) and need only a simple plug adapter rather than a voltage converter. Encourage residents to turn off or unplug voltage converters when not in use and inform residents of the ‘stand-by’ power consumed even when off.
4. Create neighborhood involvement opportunities.
   
   • Host an electronics recycling event, or tour a local recycling plant.
   • Organize tours at a local botanical garden that grows native and edible plants that thrive in the region.
5. Implement structural components.
   
   • Create a ‘green home starter kit’ that include reusable and non-toxic products such as linen dish cloths, reusable shopping bags, environmentally-friendly cleaning products, LED or CFL lamps, reusable coffee mugs and water bottles (for the office), and a home compost bin.