There are a myriad of different ways that you can “go green”, and many of these techniques, tips and tricks are simple to implement. Small steps toward green living do not have to be cumbersome or stressful, but even the smallest of green or eco-friendly steps can have a profoundly positive impact on the planet. Consider that you can save money while saving the planet simply by cutting down on your energy expenditures:
• During the winter months, set your thermostat just a couple of degrees lower to save on your heating costs.
• During the summer months, set your thermostat just a couple of degrees higher to save on your cooling costs.
• Replace your ordinary incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent or CFL light bulbs.
• Unplug your appliances when they are not currently in use, or choose to use “smart” power strips, which are capable of sensing when the appliances and electronics are not in use and cutting off what is known as “phantom” energy use. Many of these appliances waste energy when they are not running since they are still connected to power.
• Wash your clothing in colder water whenever it is possible to do so. You might be surprised to know that as much as 85% of all the energy that is used in machine washing your clothing simply goes to the heating of the water, but cold water gets them just as clean.
• Save the energy that you would use to hot-dry your clothing by using a drying rack or a clothes line instead.
Small changes like this can really make a difference in your life, your energy bills and your carbon footprint or effect on the environment. Small steps really can have a profoundly positive impact on the environment whenever you are willing to actually take them.