Switching to CFL light bulbs, recycling old cell phones, not mowing your lawn as often; little changes can make a big difference, and people are embracing the "green" lifestyle like never before. Fortunately for most of us, this doesn't require a complete lifestyle overhaul. In fact, there are quick and easy ways that you can make your life a little more earth-friendly - without sacrificing your savings or your time.
1. Use your computer. Surfing the Web for information rather than purchasing multi-volume encyclopedias or newspaper and magazine subscriptions can save you hundreds. And, since you only print out the pages that you need, you save precious resources, not to mention space. Say goodbye to newspaper clutter and those magazines that you toss after a week anyway - there are tons of sites out there that provide the same articles and information at no cost.
2. Remember to turn off that light (or air conditioner or TV...). Saving electricity is easier than you think. Make it a habit to turn off the light every time you leave a room and use natural lighting when it's available. Also remember to turn off the heat or air conditioner when you leave for the day. Many thermostats have programmable options that may be worth investigating.
3. Invest in a water filter. It's hard to say no to an ice cold glass of water. By using a water filter pitcher or even one for your tap, you eliminate the need to purchase and consume bottled water - and the excess plastic they generate. An added bonus - no more $4 bottles of water.
4. Start a compost pile. Starting a compost pile can be a benefit beyond just reducing your trash output - it can also be a major asset to your garden. Do some quick research (see number one) and you'll be amazed at all of the compost pile options that are out there. Believe it or not, there are hundreds of thousands of web pages out there about this very topic.
5. Put your recycling bin to good use. Remember that little blue bin? Of course you do. Dig it out and put some recyclables in there. It may not save you any money directly, but it will give you something to feel good about, and it will help ensure that future generations maintain access to necessary materials. If you have children, it is a great idea to set the recycling example for them.
1. Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs - $3.50/bulb
Compared to traditional incandescent light bulbs, compact fluorescent light bulbs use 75% less energy, produce 75% less heat, and can last 10 times longer. According to Energy Star, if each household replaced just 1 light bulb in their home, we could save enough energy to power 3 million homes for a year, save more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.
2. Use Water-Saving Faucets, Showerheads, and Toilets - Free to $350+
Water-saving faucets, showerheads, and toilets can all help conserve water usage. Many cities now require faucets, toilets, and showerheads to conform to their water usage standards, with some even offer low cost solutions for homeowners. A water-efficient toilet can save between 8,000 to 18,000 gallons of water per year. And a water-saving showerhead alone can save up to 3,000 gallons of water, eliminate 1,000 lbs. in carbon dioxide emissions, and reduce your water bill by $50 per person per year.
3. Change Your Air Filter - $10/filter
Dust and dirt that clog air filters can reduce their effectiveness and make your heating and cooling system work harder. A system with a clogged filter consumes more energy and has a shorter lifespan. Recommendations of how often to change your filter range from one month to three months depending on how often you use your air conditioning and heating system and how fast dust accumulates on the filter.
4. Install a Water Heater Blanket, Lower the Water Temperature - $20
Traditional water heaters keep a large amount of water inside at a certain temperature, usually 140 degrees Fahrenheit. In order to reduce the amount of work required to keep hot water in the system, you can reduce the standard temperature to 130 degrees and install a water heater blanket. A water heater blanket wraps around the water heater to reduce heat loss by 25-40%. Be sure to keep important information regarding maintaining the water heater visible when you install one of these.
5. Programmable Thermostat - $40
Heating and cooling can be as much as half of your energy bills. A programmable thermostat that has multiple time settings can help you reduce your bills by turning off your heater or air conditioner while you're at work and can reduce their usage during sleeping hours. This feature alone will help you reduce your heating and cooling bills by $150 a year.
6. Weather Stripping and Caulking Around Windows and Doors - $20-$50
Some older windows and doors don't have proper weather stripping and some estimate that this can account for 46 percent of annual heat loss. Applying weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors can serve as a cost-effective way to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
While these methods can help you conserve energy at your current home, you may want to put green features into considering when searching for your next home.
Mark Cheng has sinced written about articles on various topics from Real Estate, Online Marketing. Mark Cheng is a San Gabriel Valley, California real estate agent with . He specializes in Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, Temple City, and Arcadia real esta. Mark Cheng's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.