Living Greenly
Are you looking for even more ways to save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and conserve energy? Read on for some great inexpensive and easy changes to help you live more greenly!
Seal electrical outlets on the exterior of your house with foam insulating gaskets at less a dollar each. They help keep the cool air in the summer or heat in the winter from seeping out.
Installing a high efficiency shower head can save up to 3000 gallons of water and nearly $100 per year for a family of four. These relatively inexpensive showerheads are specially designed to provide a luxurious shower while using less energy and water.
Keep a bucket or water pitcher in your bathroom. Collect the cold water that comes out of the faucet as you’re waiting for it to warm up, and use it to water your plants or fill the animal’s bowls.
Invest in a tankless or solar water heater for great savings. Most units include a federal tax rebate, last 7 to 10 years longer, and provide increased efficiency by eliminating standby heat loss.
If a tankless or solar water heater isn’t in your budget, improve the efficiency of your existing water heater by reducing your water temperature to 120˚ and using a water heater insulating blanket to wrap it. Insulate the first 3 to 6 feet of hot and cold water pipes. With these inexpensive changes, you can reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint by a 25% or more.
Consider buying green power from your utility provider. For only a few extra dollars, you can be proud that your power is coming from a renewable energy source. Alternatively, check with your utilities company on Off Peak Savings Programs. Some companies will reward its customers for shifting their heavy energy use activities (laundry, dishwasher, climate control) to off-peak hours with lower rates.
And speaking of laundry and dishes, be sure that your machines are full before running them. Use the least amount of soap required, wash clothes in cold water, and turn your dishwasher setting to “no heat” dry. If you use dryer sheets, cut them in half. You’ll reduce your cost and waste by 50% but still get the same effect.
Reduce trash production and waste by composting.