Being eco-friendly is energy-efficient and a great help to the environment. At the same time, you'll save more money if you're going green just by doing little things.
For starters, check each door and window for wasting energy. Hold a ribbon near the openings and see if it flutters. If it does, then you have air leaking inside. All you need to do is add some weatherstripping or caulking to save that escaping energy.
Another way to go green is by pulling plugs from your electronics when not in use. Computers, TV and stereos continue to draw power even when they're turned off. Believe it or not, most of us waste enough energy to power a 100-watt light bulb just because we leave everything plugged in.
Try to do your laundry at night--not at peak energy consumption time in the day. Also, if you can get your family to use their towels more than one time, your laundry pile will shrink. Even one load less of laundry saves you work and that washing machine and dryer from eating energy.
Often we jump into our cars and make wasted shopping trips. Make a list and plan a route to shop or do errands at one time, instead of making several trips. Shopping less often helps save your budget and even more gasoline. Better yet, if you live close enough to any store, try walking or biking instead of jumping in the car.
Learn how to compost your vegetable peels, fruit skins, etc. You'll save money from not buying garbage bags and improve the soil once those materials decompose.
Swap your old light bulbs for the energy saving bulbs!
If you have an old furnace, you may want to eventually switch it out for a newer model. The energy alone it takes for a pilot light to work on some old furnaces would shock you.
These are just a few quick ways to help you go green. With just a little thought, your efforts will make a change in bettering the planet and your budget as well!
