Go Green and Save Money
From LoveToKnow Save
When you finally make the important decision to go green and save money, you might be surprised at the number of expenses that can easily be cut from your budget.
How to Go Green and Save Money
There’s one thing you should know about going green and saving money: It will involve some sacrifice. However, the sacrifice is worth it, for a number of reasons. Start with simple adjustments, such as lowering the thermostat a few degrees during the winter, and raising it a bit in the summer. You can always adjust your clothing to suit the temperature. It’s much less expensive than adjusting the thermostat.
Replace your regular light bulbs with EcoBulb® Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs. They use 75 percent less energy than regular bulbs, and last about seven years. Other ways to save money on electricity include unplugging appliances and chargers when you're not using them.
Saving Money on Water
Equipping your sinks with faucet aerators can significantly reduce the amount of water and energy that gets wasted while rinsing dishes, washing your hands, or brushing your teeth.
Additionally, you can save even more water by taking shorter showers. Fortunately, you can get a highly satisfying shower by adding an oxygenating shower head! These thrifty devices save money by reducing the amount of water flowing through the shower head.
Bottled Water
Another way to go green and save money is to evaluate your use of bottled water. According to a study performed by the Worldwatch Institute, bottled water consumption is rising by 12 percent each year. This water is packaged in a bottle that is made from a recyclable material known as PET. Unfortunately, this recyclable material usually ends up in the trash, and doesn't break down easily.
Bottles made from PET involves releasing significant amounts of air pollutants. For example, manufacturing of one kilogram of PET involves releasing 40 grams of hydrocarbons, 25 grams of sulfur oxides, 18 grams of carbon monoxide, 20 grams of nitrogen oxides, and 2.3 kilograms of carbon dioxide.
So instead of using plastic water bottles, get a water filter and a permanent water bottle. It’s much easier on the environment and your budget.
Get Fit and Save the Environment
Do you want to save gas, money, the environment and your figure? Try walking or biking to work. You’ll burn more calories and be in a good mood throughout the day. Even if the calories don’t phase you, you'll save money on gas or bus fare. If the roads in your area are too dangerous for bikers or walkers, lobby your local government and ask for work to be done on the bike paths and running trails.
Eat Well and Save
The food that you eat can also have a significant effect on the size of your carbon footprint. For example, if you eat meat on a regular basis, try giving it up at least one day a week. You’ll lower your cholesterol, save money and maybe even lose weight. Try to purchase locally-grown foods from local farmers. In many cases, you're not paying for the cost of transportation, so you're supporting your community and increasing your savings.
Keep in mind that some items such as rice, beans, flour and baking powder can be bought in bulk. There's also less packaging, so there are fewer harmful effects on the environment.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 455 times. This page was last modified 13:05, 16 December 2008.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
Print this page
Follow ltk on twitter
Visit us on facebook