Looking for ways to be a little more green? We’ve pulled together some of our favorite ideas. Taking a few steps to green your life will not only help the environment – in many cases, it will also save you some green on your electric bill.
1. Green Your Clean: Washers, dryers and dishwashers can be some of the biggest power drains in your whole house. By running them only when they are full, you’ll save electricity. (Plus, you won’t have to unload as often.)
2. Green Your Grill: Gas or charcoal isn’t just a matter of opinion. The fact is, a gas grill burns cleaner, has cleaner emissions and produces less waste than a charcoal grill. Plus, you never have to mess with lighter fluid.
3. Green Your Car: It isn’t only what you drive, it’s how you drive. Regular oil changes and tune-ups, as well as keeping your tires fully inflated, can improve your fuel-efficiency by up to 10%!1
4. Green Your Commute: The longer your drive and the more you sit in traffic, the more fuel your car burns. Commuting at off hours and working from home when you can will help save money and gas.
5. Green Your Gadgets: Look around your house at find all the electrical appliances, computers and gadgets that are plugged in. The rule of thumb should be: if you aren’t going to use it in the next 48 hours, unplug it and save electricity. Pay special attention to those big plugs (also called wall warts) often used to charge things such as phones and computers. They use electricity even if the gadget isn’t attached.
6 Green Your Guzzle: Bringing water from home in a reusable bottle doesn’t only save money. It also saves petroleum. After all, where do you think all that plastic comes from?
7. Green Your Dinner: Remember, smaller is better. A microwave uses less energy to cook than an oven. A small pot boils faster than a big one. Match the size of the burner to the size of your pot or pan. Make smart choices, and you’ll save electricity. Plus, dinner will be ready sooner.
8. Green Your Kids: Instead of constantly reminding your kids to turn things off, sit down with them and explain why it matters. Tell them saving energy means saving money, and it helps preserve the world they will inherit.
9. Green Your Water: Did you know your hot water heater can account for 12% of your energy bill?2 Turning down the temperature, using a thermal wrap on your water heater and being careful with your water usage can turn hot water into cold cash.
10. Green Your Power: Of course, you need electricity. But not all electricity is the same. Ask for a 100% renewable energy plan from clean sources like wind and natural gas, and insist that you don’t pay more for it. And talk to your power company to see if they have more ways to help you save energy and money.
1www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain/shtml
2www.energysavers.gov