Want to save some money and help the environment too???
Below are 10 Earth-friendly ways to help save you a little bit of money:
1. Use efficient lighting - compact fluorescent lights use 70% less energy and last 10x longer than standard bulbs
2. Adjust your thermostat - Set it two degrees higher in the summer and two degrees lower in the winter, and watch your energy use and utility bills decrease
3. Reduce phantom load - 40% of all electricity used by home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. Unplug chargers and use power strips to turn on/off home entertainment systems.
4. Conserve water indoors and outdoors - It takes a tremendous amount of electricity to treat and pump water. Saving water is one of the most important things you can do to help the environment
5. Plant a tree at home - Trees soak up CO2 and shade your home for lower summer energy needs
6. Drive less - Walk, ride a bike, carpool, take the bus and combine errands when you can
7. Keep your car tuned up - A poorly tuned engine wastes 10-20% of the fuel it uses. Low tire pressure can waste up to 5% of a tank of gas. A clogged air filter can cause a 10% increase in fuel consumption
8. Reduce, reuse, recycle - Create less waste by reusing or recycling items
9. Buy local - Most food is shipped and trucked 1500 miles or more to get to your store and your plate. Locally grown food tastes better too!
10. Talk - Raise awareness and action by talking with your friends, family and co-workers. Tell state and federal leaders you want meaningful climate protection policies now.
Info. courtesy of Austin Energy
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Emily,
I like your blog……very topical and useful. We are hosting a seminar in our office on June 17th from 12-1 that will be an overview on green building. Dick Peterson of the city of austin will be presenting:
Have you wondered “What is all this “green” talk about?” Dick Peterson, with Austin Energy Green Building will present an overview of green building. He will explain the general concept of rating projects with AEGB, and also include information on other rating programs such as Energy Star Homes, LEED for Homes, Environments for Living, etc. You will also load your marketing “toolbox” with green related terminology and selling points. The National Association of Homebuilders has said that more than 50% of new homes being built nationwide, now include “green” related products and techniques. The NAHB membership includes builders constructing over 80% of all new homes.
Let me know if you would like to attend.
Comment by Kenneth Osborn — June 6, 2008 @ 1:59 pm
I did the compact fluorscents over a year ago and I drive slower to improve gas mileage. I don’t do it for the environment, but because it is better economically for me and it benefits the environment in the end.
Comment by Sam Chapman — August 5, 2008 @ 1:35 pm