Conserve: Ways to be Green |
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With fuel prices expected to spike this summer, incorporating simple energy conservation measures into your daily routine makes more sense than ever. Radical steps aren't necessary; when it comes to conservation, a little bit goes a long way.
If the bulk of your energy usage is at off-peak times of day, check with your power company to see if you qualify for a cheaper rate plan.
When replacing appliances, look for the Energy Star label. Although these appliances cost a bit more, they use 30% less energy1.
Did you know that homeowners who install insulation and energy efficient windows and doors may qualify for a 10% energy credit at tax time1?
Compact fluorescent bulbs last more than six times longer than regular light bulbs, and can save you about $601 a year.
Many plugged in gadgets, including TVs, DVD players, and Dustbusters¨, use energy even when they are turned off, and can account for five percent of your energy bill. No one is suggesting that you unplug everything before leaving for work every morning, but yanking a few plugs before going on vacation or away for an extended amount of time might not be a bad idea.
Lower your water heater setting from 140 to 120 degrees. Also, when doing your laundry with cold water, you could save $63 per year2.
Fix leaky faucets and toilets and watch out for leaky washing machines too. They can waste 10 gallons of water every day or more. Use sprinklers? Forgetting to turn them off can loose a lot of water fast.
Clean naturally. You can go green with natural cleaning products that won't harm the environment. To make furniture polish, mix two parts cooking oil with one part lemon, or use baking soda to scour pans. Cleaning a car, boat or bike this summer? Be sure to use a soap that is environmentally safe if the run off is going into the ground or water and use a hose with an automatic shutoff nozzle.
Avoid saturating your lawn and garden with chemicals that seep into the groundwater. Create natural fertilizer with compost. Fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, nutshells, dead flowers, all add beneficial nutrients to the soil.
When You're On the Road
According to the Consumer Federation of America, you can improve your mileage by more than 15 percent a year by cleaning your air filter, checking alignment, pumping up tires, and keeping to the speed limit. Additionally, check your cap. Missing or broken gas caps allow gas to evaporate. About 150 million gallons of gasoline evaporate every year.
Lighten Your Load
Unloading 100 pounds of gear from your trunk can save four cents a gallon. You'll also reduce fuel consumption if you don't idle your car. Educate yourself on ways to commute, check with your local community transportation representatives to see if your area offers buses, trains or even carpool listings.
There are many ways to be green. All you have to do is a little research and choose a few that are right for you.
