When it comes to conservation, there are many incremental changes you can make to help the environment. And not only are you saving the environment, you’re saving money, too. So why not achieve both by incorporating a few simple changes into your routine? Below is a list of tips to help you get started towards a less expensive tomorrow and a greener, more sustainable environment.
Water
It’s easy to conserve water with just a little effort. Check out these suggestions for improving water efficiency:
- Don’t let the water run when washing dishes by hand. Use one side of the sink for washing, the other for rinsing.
- Water your lawn in the morning, not in the afternoon or early evening hours when temperatures are warmer.
- Check your pipes and faucets for leaks. Even small leaks can waste gallons of water a day.
- Wash clothes and dishes only when you have full loads. Dishwashers and washing machines require substantial amounts of water per use.
- Choose plants and trees that need less water to grow.
Energy
Reduce energy costs by following these simple tips:
- Watch that thermostat! Whether it’s winter or summer, keep your thermostat at a reasonable temperate and program your thermostat accordingly. Programming your thermostat is one of the easiest ways to save money.
- If possible, invest in energy-efficient appliances. Look for the Energy Star Label – these models can save you hundreds of dollars a month!
- Buy energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs to save money and energy. Traditional incandescent bulbs cost more over time, as they must be replaced frequently.
- Weatherize your home by sealing air leaks, adding insulation, and maintaining your heating and cooling system. Not only will you be more comfortable, but you’ll save on your monthly energy bill as well.
- Perhaps the easiest way to reduce hot water usage, take shorter showers. Just two or three minutes can cut costs and contribute to climate protection.
What Else?
We’ve barely scratched the surface when it comes to cost and energy saving tips. There’s so much you can do, so how about five more green ideas to consider:
- Ride your bike, take public transit, and walk whenever possible. Fuel is not cheap and cars are so expensive to maintain. And a little exercise while saving money sounds like a pretty good deal.
- Clean those air filters! People often forget to replace dirty filters, resulting in higher energy bills and more CO2 emissions. Set a reminder on your phone to replace filters every three to four months.
- Turn of unneeded lights and appliances. When you leave the house, don’t leave every light on or your cell phone charger plugged in. If you have to leave few lights for safety reasons, program them to turn on at a certain time.
- Turn off your computer at night or when you’re not using it for long periods of time. There’s just no need to keep it running all day when checking email only takes a few minutes. You’ll save money and reduce wear on your hardware.
- Involve your entire family or your roommates in your efforts to go green. The more people on board, the better!