Eco Green Facts

Let’s face it: if the economy is getting better, you’re probably not feeling it. The cost of everything seems to be going up, but despite your best efforts there’s no extra money coming in. But don’t give up just yet, because there are many ways you can reduce your daily living costs and even help the environment as well! When you think of going green, think of the “green” in your wallet you’ll be saving.

One way to go green is to replace your current appliances with ones that are Energy Star rated. A variety of appliances and electronics now carry this rating. You may hesitate to put the money into something new when your other appliances are still working fine. But over time, they will wear out and use more and more energy to to keep working, forcing you to pay more over time. But Energy Star appliances will recoup the investment over their lifetime. You may also get a rebate to use after your purchase, which puts money back in your pocket. You may qualify for a tax credit as well. If your appliance is over 20 years in age, look into replacing it. If your washer is old, replacing it with an Energy Star rated model is often recommended because it can lower both your water and electric bills.

If you haven’t already, install a low-flow shower head in your shower and aerators on your faucets to save on water. You can also skip a shower or bath and take a sponge bath on days that you don’t plan on going out. If you have a dishwasher, wait until it’s full to run it. Rinse fruits and a vegetables over a container to catch water, and use it water your plants. If you’re running hot water to wash dishes, catch this water in a container and save it for watering plants. You can also use the water in your pitcher filter if you have one and have clean water to drink. Only run your washer when you have a full load, and wash clothes in cold or warm-cold water to save on energy.

Does your home have an attic or crawlspace? If this area of your home is not properly insulated, you should do so. Although this can be a tedious task, it will offer you big returns when your heating bill goes down. Check your doors and windows for drafts and seal them as well. In the winter, you don’t want the warmth from your house leaking outside, forcing your furnace to work harder and making your heating costs go up.

Replace your regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent ones, which last longer and can help lower your electric bill. During the day, draw back the curtains on your windows and use natural sunlight to illuminate your home. Turn off lights in rooms that are not in use. Unplug appliances not in use, such as the toaster and coffee maker. If you’ll be away from home for a few days, unplug things like your computer and television as well. Also keep the chargers from phones, mp3 players and other hand-held devices unplugged when not in use.

Get everyone involved in your efforts to save energy. Get your kids in the habit of turning off the lights when they leave the room. Make sure they don’t leave water running while they brush their teeth. If someone used the toaster recently, remind them to unplug it. If it’s a nice day, get everyone out of the house for a walk. If no one’s in the house, no one is turning on lights or the television.

When you think about going green, don’t forget to think about the “green” you’re trying to keep in your wallet, too. Making a few changes will not only reduce energy waste, but it will help you save money in the long run. And saving money is something everyone needs these days.