Ways to Go Green
Green money savers:
- Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter, and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs. Use comfortable fuzzy blankets. :-)
- Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Out here in the USA, almost all bargain stores such as the 99¢ Stores sell brand new CFLs for 99 cents. Online stores such as Amazon Stores have good bargains such 8 CFLs for $10.49, or 16 dimmable CFLs for $18.99.
- Wash clothes in cold water as much as possible. As much as 85% of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.
- Unplug appliances when you're not using them. Or, use a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts "phantom" or "vampire" energy use.
- Use a clothesline or drying rack instead of the drying machine to save energy. Do *NOT*experimental proof. use dryer balls, as they take longer drying time. Here's the
- Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.
- Install a low-flow shower head. They don't cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.
- Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.
- Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden. Many plants need minimal watering. Find out which occur naturally in your area.
- Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.
- Consider telecommuting if you live far from your work. Or move closer. Even if this means paying more rent, it could save you money in the long term.
- Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.
- Bring a *reusable* water bottle, preferably aluminum rather than plastic, with you when traveling or at work.
- Wear clothes that don't need to be dry-cleaned. This saves money and cuts down on toxic chemical use.
Green environmental help:
- If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat costs a lot at the store, and it's even more expensive when you consider the related environmental and health costs.
- Buy locally raised, humane, and organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.
- Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books.
- Donate or recycle electronics (e.g., cell phones & computers) responsibly when the time comes. E-waste contains mercury and other toxics and is a growing environmental problem.
Most of the above tips was from a great website, worldwatch.org
Also, see Earth 2100
Please contact me for any additions to this page.
Created on 2009-06-03 14:42:25 by EnergyMover
Conventioinal energy, Green energy, Science, Free energy, Green Energy, Misc