Every year the United States emits an estimated 1.2 billion tons of greenhouse-gas emissions into the atmosphere from powering U.S. homes, reports the U.S. Department of Energy. Do your part to reduce your carbon footprint, and you will save money and the environment at the same time.
Switch to Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Compact fluorescent lights last ten times longer than traditional bulbs and use 75 percent less energy, says the Mass Energy Consumers Alliance, a non-profit consumer and environmental advocacy group. Making the change to compact fluorescent bulbs will save you up to 50 dollars per bulb.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit or lower in the winter, and 78 degrees or higher in the summer, when you plan to be out of the house. Invest in a programmable thermostat for added convenience.
Unplug Appliances
Your appliances and electronics consume energy even when they are powered off. Unplug chargers and seldom-used appliances until you need them. Connect groups of everyday appliances to a power cord, and turn it off every night.
Hang-Dry Your Clothes
Your dryer is the second-biggest energy user after the refrigerator. Save energy and money by hanging your clothes outside and letting the sun and breeze to the work. When you do use your dryer, clean the lint filter first.
Take Shorter Showers
By taking shorter showers each day, you will give your water heater a break and reduce your household's water consumption, saving even more energy and money. Turn off the water when you shave or wash your hair for further savings.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
When the time comes to replace your appliances or electronics, look for an EnergyStar rating. Check your current appliances for an energy-efficient setting, and turn it on.
Give Your Car a Tune-Up
A tuned engine and well-inflated tires can improve your car's fuel economy by a total of 2 miles per gallon, says Chevron. Take your car in for tune-ups as recommended in your vehicle handbook.
Leave the Car at Home
Take advantage of sunny days and ride your bike for shorter errands around town. Learn your city's bus routes, and identify regular trips throughout your week where you could take the bus instead of driving. You will save money on gas and reduce your car's emissions.
Slow Down
The faster you drive, the more fuel your car consumes. Chevron recommends reducing your speed by ten miles per hour to improve your car's fuel economy by up to two miles per gallon.
Open the Windows
In both your home and your car, open the windows to improve air circulation and cool you down without relying on the air conditioner. Open windows throughout your home on breezy days, and let nature cool your home.
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