At
a time when the world faces increasing global warming, as more and more harmful
greenhouse gases pour out into the atmosphere, more and more people are
wondering how to go green and make it cost effective too. The good news is that
it's very easy to do. In fact, done properly it's hard not to save money while
helping the planet recover. So, here's how to go green (and save money) in 7
simple tips.
1. Lower your winter heating by at least one degree.
If
you can stand two or three degrees lower, then all the better. You will use
less energy and still feel comfortable. Then in summer, let the air
conditioning cool the house a little less. That's a great start in how to go
green.
2. Set your washing machine to wash clothes in cold
water.
Modern
cleaning powders don't need hot water, and heating the water is what consumes
most of the energy that the washing machine uses.
3. Don't use the dryer to dry your clothes!
That's
not how to go green. It uses far too much energy and it's expensive too. Hang
your clothes out to dry. The air is great at drying clothes - your grandmother
could have told you that.
4. Use Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs.
CFL
bulbs use 10% of the energy that a standard bulb needs and they last 10 times
longer. So, change your light bulbs. And if you want to know how to go green in
a bigger way with lights, check out the new LED bulbs. They can be twice as
efficient as the CFL bulbs.
5. Use less water.
Check
all faucets for leaks and fix any you find. Take shorter showers, don't bath,
and consider getting a new toilet cistern that will use less than two gallons
of water per flush. Standard cistern use some three and a half gallons. Using
less water uses less energy and saves you money!
6. Walk rather than drive for very short trips.
Use
a bicycle for moderate trips, and only use the car if you really have to.
Gasoline is expensive and it pollutes the atmosphere. Save on burning it and
you will save on your money too, as well as help the environment.
7. Keep the speed below 55mph.
When
you have to drive, keep your speed down to around 55 miles per hour if
possible. Your car's engine will be running at its most efficient at that speed
burning the minimum amount of gas. Practice driving smoothly as well. Don't
accelerate fast from a standing start, and don't brake hard. This is how to go
green with your car, though using public transport, walking and cycling is even
better.
brought to you by How Can We Save Energy