Climate change got you worried? Us too. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to get as many people as we can to ramp up their efforts to cut down on their energy use and make greater, greener strides to preserve the planet over the new year. To help kick off a 2013 full of green initiatives, we’ve teamed up with Lutron to give TEN lucky readers $150 each to spend on green gadgets and other energy-saving products at the Lutron Store. Lutron—who also happens to be the inventor of the light dimmer—boasts an array of eco-minded products that are aimed at significantly cutting energy use at home, all without sacrificing convenience or style. From dimmers to sensors to shades, don’t miss out on a chance at a free shopping spree at its store! Keep reading to see how you can score $150 to spend at Lutronstore.com and get your green 2013 off to a great start!
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:
1. SIGN UP FOR THE INHABITAT NEWSLETTER HERE > We’ll be announcing the winners in our weekly newsletter, so if you want to find out who won, you’ll need to receive it!
2. LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW telling us what you plan to do to make 2013 your most sustainable year yet. The deadline for this fabulous giveaway is Sunday, December 30th. We’ll pick the comments we like best and announce the winners in our January 3rd newsletter, so make sure you’re signed up!
DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 30th
ABOUT LUTRON
From energy-saving lighting control solutions to automated window treatments for both residential and commercial applications, Lutron Electronics is dedicated to offering innovative designs that can make spaces more versatile all while enhancing ambiance, comfort and productivity. To explore all the amazing products they have, check out the Lutron Store. And don’t forget to enter our giveaway for a chance to win one of ten $150 gift certificates to spend on its energy-saving products!
I already use energy efficient appliances and energy saving bulbs in 2012, so for 2013
1) Save water by being more conscious of my use of it in and around the home.
2) Update the electrical outlets and add dimmer switches to become more mindful of electricity usage.
3) Reduce the amount of “stuff” I have by recycling or giving away as much as possible instead of throwing away.
I have a room above the garage that needs all new lights and switches.
My plans for having my most sustainable year yet include expanding my vegetable and fruit production (including the dehydrating and canning of food for year long use), switching the last of my household lights to LED, sourcing more meats locally, and hopefully adding a woodstove by next winter.
In 2013 we plan to increase our efforts to cut down on our energy use and make greater, greener strides to preserve the planet by
1. replacing our 25 year old furnace with a more energy efficient model
2. adding more insulation to the basement walls and attic space
3. buying less paper products like paper towels and wasteful packaging
4. planting more shade trees to reduce air conditioning bills
5. walking more and driving less
6. recycling all paper, plastic, and glass
7. installing low flow toilets and shower heads
8. replacing light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs
9. using our clothes dryer less by air drying laundry
10. conserving water by taking shorter showers
All of these ideas are simple and easy. Everyone can benefit by doing just a few of these energy-savings tips.
Hi:) I am a low-income Senior who has been reading about the advancements of LED and Solar for in-home savings for about 5 years now
I hope to save enough this year to change all my lighting to LED. And I keep watching and hoping for something I can afford in air-filtering and air-conditioning. Thank you for this most interesting and informative site 
we plan on expanding the youngest room
Great way to start the new year! I could really use some new blinds in my kitchen.
I plan to do more vegetable gardening so I’m sure my family is eating healthy, pesticide free food.
I’m going to stop using bottled water and install energy saving bulbs in my fixtures.
I would love to switch out my lights for led
I plan to gather rainwater to water my garden, by using a rain tub
Unplug unused electric items, and plug some into a central hub
Let the “yellow mellow” in the commode
Do the laundry only on a full load!
Would love to have new blinds in the house! And I plan on having a great Year with my family and friends! Happy New Year all and good luck and many blessings in the New year!
In 2012 I started to get serious about what I eat. I cut out meat (a huge and slightly bumpy lifestyle change) and I’ve never felt better. Now I’m trying to take my foodstuffs even further, hitting up my local farmers market instead of the grocery chain, opting for fresh, local produce instead of items that have been shipped long distances. In 2013 I’ll challenge myself to keep it local!!
Buy less stuff
Less travel, more staying close to home.
I am planting a vegetable garden to help feed the 6 of us.i also want to keep buckets out to catch rain water for plants.i also have just started composting.We already have energy efficient light bulbs in every light plus double pane windows.Thanks!
lstanziani(at)yahoo(dot)com
try to turn my house into a net-zero one or at least start
try to turn my house into a net-zero home
In 2013, I’m hoping to switch over to almost entirely using LED light bulbs inside and outside our house. Would LOVE a Lutron dimmer for our living room light fixture which is often way too bright! Already have them in the dining room & bedroom! I’m also planning to use Christmas gift cards to install smart power strips for our TV and computer systems. It’s the little things! Here’s to a more energy efficient 2013!
To make 2013 my most sustainable year yet I am resoling to 1) cut all meat fro my diet and 2) have cut my budget for “want-to-have” stuff to 1/2 of 2012′s.
good to see these gadgets
Our new baby boy Ansel will get a green nursery. Among the highlights, a lighting art installation that is both beautiful and functional, with daylight sensing and dimmable LED\\\’s for napping.
2013 is the year I take control of my energy costs. Lutron products will be a big part of that goal!
you lite up my life
I need to finish my backyard pallet deck I began last summer. I was able to build a 20×16 fee standing made mostly from free materials found on craigslist. All that’s left is a wrap around stair and a hammock!! I also spent last summer preparing 2 raised vegetable garden beds and hope to begin to live off the produce grown in them… hope being the key word!!
In 2013 I want to be more giving and helpful. I would give this to a friend who desperately needs to make his place more energy efficient and sustainable.
I live in Ireland and I really dont see many people using many energy efficient appliances. In my house I use alot of guitar amplifiers, tvs and lights and I feel I could save/help out alot by putting some money towards making my home alot more energy efficient. Might as well make it my 2013 new years promise
ps : Inhabitat is my favourite page on facebook. I love my homepage filling up with amazing pictures from you guys. Thanks and peace from Ireland.
I’m here to upgrade my home and show my kids that saving energy can be fun.
I plan to grow a larger garden and do more insulation and window replacement. Will also hook up a second rain water collector.
We have already taken many steps to be sustainable. We work with our kids and they now share with others which is very satisfying. What I have noticed is the lack of sustainable and eco-friendly products available to us in the more rural areas. We try to be good stewards financially and with the Earth’s resources sometimes those are in hard competition. My goal is to find reputable companies that promote our values and fit our family’s needs.
I plan to buy the eco friendly shower heads.
I would like to suggest environmentally friendly changes to my apartment manager. We could change our apartment complex to a sustainable living complex. I plan on taking the bus a lot this semester–when I’m not carpooling with friends. We’ll all be making motions towards more eco-friendly habits.
Living in central Michigan leaves little possibility to use solar or wind power. Therefore, one must learn to consume energy wisely. I am installing double thick 3/8″ pleated honeycomb blinds in my interior window openings. These window covers let the ambient light pass through and provide an insulation value of R-5. Fantastico!
Where do I start? We have been doing many things for quite awhile, but have some specific ideas in mind for this coming year such as using more high efficiency lamps in living areas and task lighting for specific areas. We have already made sure that parts of our house can be shut off from others by walls
and doors so that only the areas we need are heated. Same with windows – windows to let in winter sun and shade windows to
keeo out summer sun. Our next project is to install Light dimmers, timers and motion sensors so as to adjust lighting
levels as required since that will save a lot on electricity.
Dimmers are a great way to control amount of power used; motion sensors are great when there is a lot of activity around the house, particularly in ares where you enter or leave with your hands full.
I\\\’ll be studying some bridging courses so I can get into an environmental science degree at university the following year – it\\\’s the best way I can think of to dedicate my life to helping the environment.
I\\\’ve been given permission to start a communal herb and veggie garden in my apartment building and I\\\’ve ordered a big compost bin for everyone to use.
I\\\’ll continue to share environmental news and tips across all of my social media platforms.
I\\\’ve recently made the switch from vegetarian to vegan and am educating my boyfriend about the reasons he should make the switch too (Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer convinced him to give up meat). I\\\’m giving the book The Sustainable Table (found here http://www.sustainabletable.org.au/OurBooks/tabid/54/Default.aspx) to my family members and friends for Christmas.
I\\\’ve asked everyone in my family for donations to worthwhile environmental causes for my Christmas presents this year instead of buying me things.
I plan on starting a collection in my neighborhood of items that typically get discarded in the trash. I will be shipping these items to terracycle!
I plan on switching over to longer lasting light bulbs and notice the 100watt regular incadescent ones are no longer available, soI’m sure more people will get on board. Recycling by donating and buying things from resale shops will go a long ways to lowering my carbon footprint.
I plan on doing something to encourage more public transportation in my area.
I plan on doing something this year to encourage more public transportation in my area.
very cool! need new devices!
We just moved into a new home in December and we’ve made plans to make our home as energy efficient as possible.
So far our plans are:
- Install NEST learning programmable thermostat (we have already installed this) for efficient heating of our home.
- Change our standard DIVA switches to Lutron DIVA eco-dimmer switches in major rooms that use a lot of light!
- Change some switches in certain rooms (walk-in closet, laundry, pantry, garage) to occupancy switches so that we don’t forget to turn off the lights!
- Change some bathroom fan switches to Lutron eco-timer switches as we normally forget to shut off the fan
- slowly change all our bulbs from incandescent to CFL and LED bulbs… hopefully LED bulbs go down in price next year!!
I plan, if I win, to use the dimmers and shades to help reduce use of electricity and AC (in the summer) and keep the rooms warm in the winter. I already use ceiling fans, recycle, and even in an apartment building in NYC, compost kitchen scraps! We have 3 compost bins on our roof and a roof garden. That\\\’s the other thing: I plan on continuing to garden and increase the amount of food I grow on my own. It\\\’s not only healthy but really fun and neighborly. Many of my neighbors have little barrel gardens on our roof and we enjoy sharing the fruits (or veggies) of our labors!
would be nice for the new baby room
I am a high school teacher in Atlanta. I have talked the school into allowing me to teach a sustainability class with the goal of having students design and build a tiny house. Because it will be on wheels, we will then be able to display it at various locations and tell others about the benefits of living sustainably. My students are very excited about the project and also about the idea of giving tours of the home and going out into the community to teach others about conserving resources and sustainable gadgets. Since we have no budget from the school, this gift will help us meet our goal.
Planning to upgrade with green lighting this new year!
2013 Will be my most sustainable year yet because I will be not only recycling more items but also using more items that have been repurposed.
Entry!
I plan to make this my most sustainable year by growing my own produce or shopping entirely locally for it, by re-evaluating my energy consumption, and continuing to do without a car.
Already subscribed to the newsletter. I am hoping to plant my own garden and start sewing some of dd’s clothes again.
Well I am taking 3 online classes next semester. The pros are: less emissions/gas use but the cons are more energy used at home. I have been using my voltaic backpack to charge small gadgets and I have an energy saving charging station for all my gadgets which require a plug. No more wasted energy!
Also, by having online classes I can tend to a garden and grow fruits and veggies this year, as well as cook at home. Again, not really saving on my personal energy usage but I am cutting down on garbage and waste. Then there is the fact that I will live in my pjs, causing me to do fewer loads of laundry, and make fewer new clothing purchases. Not only will I save money I will be minimizing my carbon footprint I suppose?
Either way, having any of their items would really help me save energy in this house!
We already recycle, use cloth diapers for our little one, and try our best to use sustainable products that don\\\’t have an environmental impact. We\\\’ve just recently made a much bigger effort to recycle. For the new year we\\\’re going to grow more of our own food, ride our bicycles more, and be more conscious about the products and company\\\’s we support.
I am going to be starting a hydroponic garden with tilapia pond, as well as getting into vermi-composting )wormiculture.
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I want to replace all my light bulbs with LED lights, start a compost, make a rain barrel to collect rain water for my garden, and start an organic vegetable garden, so we can grow our own produce.
I’m looking into solar heating and panels for my area, right now no one seems to have them here, and I would like to get it going in this area.
I plan on makinig 2013 my most sustainable year ever by replacing my outlet-powered battery charger with a solar-powered alternative!
This year I really want to focus on saving water. I want to be more conscious about how I use it at home and in the garden, and I also want to find a filtering system that produces as little waste as possible.
No more room for dimmer switches in 2013 (already all tricked out)…no need for AC in San Francisco, so I can’t cut that out. Planting trees, both at my home and with Friends of the Urban Forest will be a great way to increase sustainability in ’13.
just bought a new apartment and in 2013 I will be replacing all incandescents with dimmable LEDs!
I gave up paper towels for good! And went vegan. Must do moooore!!! ☺
replacing bulbs inside & outside home. planting fruit trees this spring. tending more to veggie & fruit garden!
BEING HAPPIER to create more good energy!! 
I look forward to making improvements in energy use in 2013 in my own home, my workplace and my community. I have recently taken a position with Peaceworks in Columbia, Missouri, and one of my goals is to revamp the lighting in our building to make it more environmentally friendly and cost effective. We are responsible for the Earth Day Festival in our area and I hope, by taking a leadership role in our own energy use, we can inspire others in the community to do so as well. The Lutron Store looks like a great place to start for ideas! Laura Wacker
Every place I’ve rented, and finally the place I own now, I’ve immediately replaced all my light switches with Lutron switches are lights with CCFLs. This would help me put in replace those with LED dimmer switches or maybe splurge for their Vierti switch! At $230 for ONE switch, maybe not…
I’d like to do the following for the new year:
1. Install solar panels so the house can generate a surplus of electricity to sell back to the grid
2. Further 1′s goals by installing more passive solar and more energy-efficient (energy-star) appliances (e.g. refrigerator) and other smart-home efficiencies such as smart meters and sensors to drive down total home energy usage
3. Install water cisterns to drive down use of municipal potable water and irrigation to minimize water run-off., which can then be used for the garden
4. Expansion of recycling and reuse (e.g. old books given to book charity’s or recycled)
5. Transportation changes
a. more carpooling
b. trading out old gas guzzlers and budgeting for one electric vehicle (e.g. Nissan Leaf) and 2 plug-in hybrids (e.g. Volt)
c. connecting the charging system to the house electrical infrastructure (especially off-speak hours) to take advantage of solar charging
I just installed a Luton dimmer in my bedroom lampshade and I love it!
My children always come up with the best ideas for recycling and saving money. So this coming year we hope to show others all the amazing ways we recycle and save. For instance my son works part time at a clothing store, he saves the silicone packages that comes in the clothing and puts them in tool boxes to reduce the moisture and helps keeps tools from rusting. He cuts all the clips of pants hangers they throw away and gives them to people for chip clips. He is in the process of trying to get this store to recycle. “Has mostly succeeded” My daughter collects, sews and cleans clothing and such for families in need. Over the past few years we have replaced all the old light bulb and high energy fixtures and use natural light whenever possible. We are starting small but hope we can set a example and show others around us how easy it is to save and be more responsible. As my father always said “Waste not, Want not”
I plan on purchasing a home sometime next year and I’d like to start it out in good energy consumption taste.
Just signed up for the updates on London, even though I live stateside
Thanks 
I appreciate Lutron with all of their energy efficient innovations. There should be so many more companies that make that their main priority.
I plan to use my programmable thermostat even more sustainably!
I am planning on using the concept of Pre-Cycling. Bringing my own bags, buying in bulk where I can, tap filter instead of bottled water, and especially at christmas, using leftover boxes from the whole year instead of buying new wrapping paper.
This year I hope to convert my family room back into a garage. This will enable me to heat and cool a much smaller space and save gasoline/energy in the cold months not having to defrost/defreeze my car in the mornings!
I already get your emails as 14earth at gmail dot com!
i’m renovating my house with efficient fixtures, appliances, windows, and heating systems! lots to do!!!
We are planning to start switching out the single pane windows in our 85 year old fixer-upper. I would also like chickens this year so that we can be a little more sustainable and have our own eggs, plus some bug control help in the vegetable garden!
Very nice, efficiency is the key
Each and every year we make strives to reduce our footprint at our Mt. Washington home. In the beginning we added timers and light sensors along with an automated digital thermostat. Numerous light switches (Lutron) were added. We then added high R value insulation to basement walls. Added a full ceiling attic fan. Then later came misters. Three years ago we added a high efficiency ceiling fan. Then double paned windows in the living room. Out door lighting is now either solar or LED. Indoor is primarily CFL and some LED. I’ve been using Lutron products since the late 1970′s. Loved those touch dimmers. Still have some waiting for re-use. As each bit of technology comes of age, cost effectiveness and (usefulness) we are very excited to lower our costs and the cost to the environment. We also added some smart strips to eliminate phantom power drain.
Our next Lutron purchases are going to be sensor switches for the basement.
That is on the electrical side. In the garden, we have been composting for 20 years. No garbage disposal. Pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers have been eliminated since 1997. I had the good fortune to find a Mantis Tiller at an estate sale this year for an excellent price. Looking forward to completely redoing the clay soil here and growing more than just herbs, chilies and blueberries.
I’d really like to install a quasi gray water system this year using drainage from our utility sink. And a million other things.
Walk more, use less, spend more time face-to-face (less tech)
Love it!
we are going to upgrade our thermostat to a learning one to maximize our energy use for heating and cooling. we will also upgrade our bulbs over the year to long life bulbs to help with long life and expense of bulbs.
I’m going to try to get everyone is the house to start closing lights when they exit a room
So many steps and more I can’t forsee yet. NEW: LED LED LED, dimmers and more efficient cans for the LEDs. Less water consumption with toilets, shower, dishwasher, faucets. Roof with solar see thru, better vinting AND water collection with some sort of green on the bottom 1.5 feet, reachable with a ladder- very exciting. More composting, especially when the pumpkins are being thrown away. Replacing bad insulation with non-toxic….to start
I’m going to cut back about 7% on everything I consume, in terms of utilities/services, and food.
I saw Lutron at the hardware store and love how easy the switch plates are to install! I would love to replace all my plates with Lutron! I don’t have to ask hubby, I can install myself!
More sensors and smart things around the house.
I have old appliances and plan to switch them to appliances that are more energy efficient. This year I would also like to explore ways to make my house more Green!
I have old appliances and plan to switch them to something more energy efficient. I also want to look how I can make my home more Green!
I just bought a house and have big plans. We’re putting in rain barrels, composting and hoping to get our yard in order and start a garden. Also bought all high efficiency appliances. One day further in the future… bat houses and solar panels on the south side of the roof.
I’m hoping to use less water in 2013. I tend to use a ton of water cleaning dishes, doing my laundry, etc. so I’m going to make an effort to cut back.
I plan on replacing my X-10 automation, outlets, wall switches with Lutron Maestro & HomeWorks. Replace my few existing CFL faded lighbulbs with LED ones.
Install a Block Heater in my Toyota Priusfor better winter MPG, and grease the chain on my eversharp Fiscars Momentum Reel Push Mower.
A replacement Nest programmable thermostat would be the next thing.
I plan on replacing my X-10 automation, outlets, wall switches with Lutron HomeWorks. Replace my few existing CFL faded lighbulbs with LED ones.
Install a Block Heater in my Toyota Prius, and grease the chain on my eversharp Fiscars Momentum Reel Push Mower.
I will use lutron controls to tie into my arduino lighting system!
One of my biggest plans to help improve our energy-efficiency for 2013 include better weather-proofing on all doors and windows. I also currently have only one dimmer, but would love to upgrade all of our light switches to dimmers.
For 2013, I’m going to be upgrading my classic chandelier completely to LED cadelabra bulbs. The upgrade will be a little pricey but the energy savings will pay off the bulbs in less than two years! Will also be purchasing a recycling bin to keep inside next to the trash to recycle more than ever. This year’s house insulating was a great success, looking forward to next year.
I’m working with a client who is researching every little thing that goes into their home that we hope to finish in 2013. From the insulation used, to no VOC paint, to non toxic furniture, we have been doing a lot of research. We already plan on using Lutron switches throughout the home and could really use some help offsetting the budget!
I plan to make 2013 my most sustainable year yet by installing easy, energy-saving light controls around my house.
I plan to have a clear vision of what i want to do in life and be focused on achieving my goals and aiming high. i want a good job and study in a great college.
1) Finish building out my herb garden, no more little plastic hars.
2) DItto vegetable garden – freeze my own for winter.
My house is in desperate need for switch and shade updates!
I love Lutron products. I have their dimmers on my lamps in my bedroom and living room.