Do you want to go green? It’s not difficult or even expensive to go green. With just a few simple steps you can cut back on your carbon footprint and make your life a little less energy-dependent.
1. Line Dry Clothes
Dryers cost a lot of energy. Cut back on this significantly by line drying your clothes when possible. Line drying works best in the summer or in warmer climates. If you already have a line in the yard, you’re set and ready to go. If you don’t, you can easily hang a line from a tree, fence post, or even use an indoor drying rack.
2. Unplug Things
When your electronics aren’t in use, make sure you unplug them. Specifically, make sure to also unplug chargers when they aren’t in use. You’ll be surprised how much you’ll save on your electricity bill. Items left plugged-in, even if they’re not in use, can draw phantom power. Use a power strip for items such as your TV, DVR, and DVD player to easily unplug them when they’re not in use.
3. Solar Lighting
Consider solar lighting. This type of lighting is available for both inside or outside the home. There are a lot of solar lighting options today, from a large solar panel that will provide electricity for the entire home to smaller lights that work as lamps or accent lighting.
4. Change Lightbulbs
If you change the lightbulbs in your home, you can save a ton of energy. Instead of the incandescent bulbs that are in the home, use compact florescent light (CFL) bulbs to save energy. As an added bonus, these lightbulbs last longer than the older bulb types.
5. Fix Leaks
If your faucets leak or drip, it’s crucial that you take the time to fix them. That water loss turns into money trickling right out of your pocket. Even if it is a slow drip, it adds up over time. It’s best to fix it as soon as you find the problem. This DIY fix can be done in a day. This Old House has a great tutorial on how to fix a leak.
6. Program the Thermostat
Instead of changing the thermostat all the time, set it and forget it, instead. This is one of the best ways to save energy in your home. It regulates the temperature and makes it so that the furnace and air conditioner don’t have to work as hard. This will save energy, money, and frustration. It will also help extend the life of the air conditioner and furnace, since they won’t be under as much stress through the year.
Living an energy-efficient life is simple. All you need to do is be conscious of the things you have plugged in and the types of appliances you use. When you live a green lifestyle, you’re going to save green as well.
What are some swaps you’ve made in your home to save money and energy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
