Saving energy is good for the environment, but it is also good for your wallet. There are many ways that you can become more eco-friendly at home.
Use Less Energy
First, take a look at your thermostat. What do you normally have it set at in the winter and in the summer? Adjust it slightly to save yourself money. For example, if you set it at 72 degrees in the winter, drop the temperature down to 70 degrees. You won’t notice that much of a difference, but the change helps you save money over time.
Go through your home and replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs. Buy a few and then simply replace the old bulbs in your house when they stop working.
If you aren’t using an appliance, don’t leave it plugged in. You can also look into purchasing a smart power string. Compare your energy use with SimplySwitch – it could help you save.
Wash your clothes in cold water if you can. A lot of energy is used up in the process of heating water for the machine. Also, avoid the dryer and hang your clothes up after you pull them from the washing machine.
Use Less Water
Time yourself in the shower one day. Commit to cutting back on that time by at least a few minutes. Also, invest in a low flow shower head. They are not very expensive, but they help you save water without even thinking about it.
Put an aerator on all the faucets in your home. Again, these devices do not cost much but they help you save both water and heat, which can help you save quite a bit of money.
If you have a garden, put in plants that don’t need a lot of water to survive. Do your research to find out which ones grow best in your area.
Use Less Gas
If you are able to leave your car at home, head into work via another form of transportation. For example, if you are close, you can walk. Biking is another option as well. Not only will you save on gas, but you will also get a bit of exercise as well.
If the distance to work is too great, think about telecommuting. You can also move; you may initially be hesitant, particularly if the rent is higher than what you pay now, but figure the costs out long term. You may wind up saving once you think everything through.
Engage In Healthy Eating
Meat is expensive. Not only does it cost you to purchase it, but it has a huge environmental impact as well. Try and cut back by at least one meat meal per week.
If you are buying meat, as well as dairy or eggs, try to source it locally. You’ll support the economy in your area, and the food is better for you as well.
Filter Your Water
Don’t purchase bottled water. Instead, opt for a water filter. Bottled water costs a lot of money and creates a lot of trash. If you want water on the go, pick up a water bottle that you can use over and over again.
Make Smart Purchases
If you need something for your home or office, try and buy used. The Internet is a great resource. Not only will you spend less, but you help cut down on waste. There are even sites where people offer items for free; these items can even be things like appliances and furniture!
Of course, you can always head to a consignment store or thrift store, or keep your eyes out for a garage sale.
Future Proof
The future proofing of houses is a wise option and it can help save money notably – check out these tips from PSR.
Borrow, Don’t Buy
Rather than purchasing movies and books, head to your local library and borrow them. Also, talk to your family and friends about sharing resources rather than constantly buying new items.
