Going green is a way to save money, improve health and help the environment. There are a variety of small and large things that you can do to go green, and these actions can add up to make a big difference for the environment and your budget. For example, if you replace an old light bulb with an energy-efficient bulb, you will save money on electricity. If everyone in the country does it, it will save enough electricity to light 2.5 million homes for a year, according to The Daily Green.
Step 1
Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs are usually more expensive, but they save you money in the long run because they use fewer watts and have a longer lifespan. According to Energy Star, one fluorescent bulb costs $10 to light throughout its lifetime, while a comparable incandescent bulb costs $40 dollars. By changing all the bulbs in your house, you can save an average of $70 dollars per year.
Step 2
Turn down your heat and air conditioning. Up to half the energy you use in your home is for heating and cooling. Adjusting the heat and air conditioning by a few degrees can have an impact on your bills. You also can use a programmable thermostat to turn the heat down and the A/C up when you are not home, then bring your house to a more comfortable temperature right before you arrive home. According to Energy Star, a programmable thermostat could save you an average of $180 a year. Changing the filters on your furnace and air conditioning also helps you get the most out of your heat and air conditioning.
Step 3
Use appliances efficiently. According to Energy Star, washing clothes with cold water can save you $30 to $40 per year. Don't over-dry your clothes, and remove lint from the screen with each load. When using the stovetop, match the pot or pan size with the burner size; using small pans on large burners can waste $18 to $36 a year, according to Energy Star. Use a microwave rather than the stovetop to heat individual portions.
Step 4
Plug televisions, computers, toys and games into power strips so that you easily can turn off the electricity flow when they are not in use for 20 minutes or more. These electronic devices use energy whenever they are plugged directly into an outlet, even if they are turned off. In fact, 75 percent of all electronics energy is consumed while the products are off, according to Energy Star. If you can't unplug electronics, put them in standby mode.
Step 5
Xeriscape your outdoor area by replacing non-native lawns and landscapes with native plants, especially if you live in a dry climate. Watering your lawn can be expensive and especially difficult during times of water restrictions. By using native plants in your landscaping, you can save money and help the environment.
Step 6
Research regional and local programs to find programs that provide benefits for going green. For example, Energy Star appliance rebates give you cash in exchange for inefficient appliances. In 2010, you can get a tax credit for making your home more energy-efficient. You also can get a tax break for buying some hybrid cars.
References
- EnergyStar: Buy Products That Make a Difference.
- EnergyStar: Buy Products That Make a Difference
- Xeriscape.org: Colorado Waterwise: The Voice of the Colorado Water Conservation Community.
- The Good Human: Available Energy Rebates for Going Green at Home
- The Daily Green: The Consumer's Guide to The Green Revolution: 7 Simple Money Savers for the Home
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