Save the Environment and Some Money
by Justin Lukasavige
Here are some ideas to help save your pocket book, while
helping the earth at the same time. Yes, they really can
go hand-in-hand.
Remember that most of the time it is less expensive in
the short-term to keep doing the same thing, but in the
long-term, these ideas will save you money.
- Is it time to replace your washer or dryer? Replace
both with energy saving models and reap the continued
benefits. The new dryers with moisture sensors will
save you 15% each load!
- How about that refrigerator? Pay attention to the
tags on the models in the store to see how much each
use? The big fancy ones with all the features claim
to save you a lot of money, but many times the smaller
ones are more energy-efficient. Make sure to get your
freezer on top instead of on the bottom. They use less
energy as well.
- Turn the thermostat on your water heater down a few
degrees. If you leave for vacation, turn it to 'warm',
'off', or 'vacation'. There are a lot of conflicting
statements as to whether or not the water-heater blankets
save as much money as they cost ($15) over their life-span,
but you can stick your hand between the tank and the
blanket and notice the warmth.
- Close the damper on your wood fireplace. You lose
warm room air when not in use. If you have a gas fireplace,
turn off the pilot light in the warm months.
- As they burn out, replace your old incandescent lights
with energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs. Prices have
fallen drastically in the past few years, and they last
years longer than a standard bulb. You can find them
in soft light, all the way to sunlight rendering.
- Save money on cleaners and simply mix 4 tablespoons
baking soda with 1 part water. You can also use a vinegar
and water mixture to clean soap and hard water buildup.
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