There’s more to going green than recycling. Do you want to know how to save money while saving the planet? Staff members at the Worldwatch Institute, a global environmental organization, share some ideas on how to go green and save green at home and at work. Following are a few tips on going green and saving money:
Save energy & save money
Set your thermostat a few degrees higher in the summer and a few degrees lower in the winter. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs when your incandescent bulbs burn out. Unplug appliances when you’re finished using them, or use a smart power strip, which senses when appliances are off and cuts the vampire or phantom energy use. Wash your clothes in cold water whenever possible. Eighty five percent of energy used when washing clothes comes from heating the water. Use a drying rack or clothesline to dry your clothes.
Save water & save money
Reduce water use by taking shorter showers. Use a low-flow showerhead. They don’t cost a lot and the water and energy savings are huge. Use a faucet aerator on each faucet. They’re inexpensive and conserve heat and water and the water pressure stays high. Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your gardens. Find out which plants grow naturally in your area.
Use less gas & save money
Ride your bike or walk to work. If you live far from your job, see if you can telecommute.
Skip bottled water & save money
Instead of buying bottled water use a water filter to purify your tap water. Bottled water is expensive and it contributes to large amounts of plastic waste. When you travel or while you’re at work, use a reusable bottle, preferably aluminum.
Borrow instead of buying
Instead of buying books and movies, check them out from libraries. This will save on ink and paper that goes into printing new books and it will save you money. Share appliances and power tools with your neighbors.
Buy smart
Buy foods and household products in bulk. This helps save on packaging and your wallet. Wear clothes that don’t require dry-cleaning. This will save you money and cut toxic chemical use as well. Invest in long-lasting products that are high-quality. It may cost you more upfront, but you won’t need to replace items as frequently and it will help eliminate waste.
Don’t trash electronics
Keep computers, cell phones and other electronics as long as possible. Donate or recycle them when they break or you no longer need them. E-waste has mercury and other toxic substances and is a big environmental concern.
Make your own cleaning supplies
You can make non-toxic cleaning supplies that are very effective. The ingredients are very simple: baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap. You will save money, time and packaging by making your own cleaning products.
Source: www.worldwatch.org
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