How Going Green Can Save You Money
It’s time to celebrate Earth Day, April 22. This is a great time to think about ways you can reduce your carbon footprint. Interestingly reducing your wastefulness can also save you money. Below are five things you can do that will not only reduce your waste but will also help save you money.
How many times do you mindlessly leave a faucet running? Brushing your teeth, rinsing dishes, letting your shower heat up, and filling up your tub are a few ways that money is literally running down the drain. Try to get in the habit of turning off the faucet as you brush your teeth and only turn it on as you need to rinse. Instead of letting water run down the drain as you rinse your dishes, fill your sink to rinse them in or even better fill a small dish pan. Letting dishes soak greatly reduces the need to rinse or scrub. Also be mindful of how much water you are using while letting that shower run. Don’t turn it on until you are ready to get in. Does that tub have to be completely full for your bath? Many times water is wasted when you are not even aware of it.
Look at the lighting in your home. Are the lights on and no one is at home? Are lights on when no one is in the room? Get in the habit of turning lights off when the room is not being used. Have a timer set on some lamps if you would like for them to be on as you come in at night. Use natural sunlight during the day to illuminate your space. Also don’t forget to change those bulbs out for LED bulbs. They use less energy and last longer.
Decrease plastic use by buying refillable bottles. These are useful for shampoo, dish detergent, hand soap, and laundry detergent. Bulk items such as liquid soaps are more economical than purchasing the smaller plastic size. Stock up on your favorite brands and refill as needed.
Get in the habit of adjusting your thermostat to meet your schedule and lifestyle. Gone all day? Then turn your air conditioner up to a slightly higher temperature. Many people prefer to sleep in a cooler environment so adjust your heat or air conditioner accordingly. There are apps and phone reminders that can help you control your heating and cooling systems when you are not home.
Lastly, as many people are starting to go back into their office or school, it is time to rethink how you get to work. Is it possible to carpool to work or school? With gas prices increasing, ride sharing can not only help with emissions but also help your bank account.
By making some of these small adjustments listed above; your water bill, electric bill and grocery bill should decrease. You can also feel confident that you are doing your part in decreasing your carbon footprint. Little changes can add up to big results.
