Energy usage and costs vary depending on the location and season. For some of us, however, energy is very expensive, and getting that bill every month can bring some unwanted anxiety to our day.
Good news is that, since you've gone green, there's a solution for that unwanted headache! If your energy bill is not high, consider going green anyway for the sake of the environment (You know, that friendly space that surrounds you), as our use of energy does have certain* side* effects*. (See 3 links)
Let's get started!
1) That pesky energy bill, along with the water, cable, internet, credit card, and other bills, along with your bank account(s) statement(s) can be received online! Some companies even reward you for saving them paper and ink, so go for it!
Afraid you will lose your information? Worry not! You can use online storage programs and websites that keep your information safe. Visit: www.dropbox.com, www.crashplan.com , or Google Docs to not only go paperless, but also have a back up file of all your documents. For free.
Afraid you will lose your information? Worry not! You can use online storage programs and websites that keep your information safe. Visit: www.dropbox.com, www.crashplan.com , or Google Docs to not only go paperless, but also have a back up file of all your documents. For free.
2) Adjustments at home:
- Read #1 above, and apply to avoid unnecessary printing at home (and at work!).
- Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.
- Make sure the appliances you buy have the Energy Star on them.
- If it's hot outside, consider using a fan instead of the A/C during the day (it consumes less energy), and invest on blackout-like shades for your windows to keep the temperature lower.
- Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.
- Unplug appliances when you're not using them. Or, use a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts "phantom" energy use.
- Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.
- Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying. This will also keep your clothes in better shape for longer!
- Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.
- Install a low-flow shower-head. They don't cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.
- Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.
- Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden. Many plants need minimal watering. Find out which occur naturally in your area.
3) Adjustments in transportation:
- Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.
- Consider telecommuting if you live far from your work. Or move closer. Even if this means paying more rent, it could save you money in the long term.
- Lobby your local government to increase spending on sidewalks and bike lanes. With little cost, these improvements can pay huge dividends in bettering your health and reducing traffic.
It looks like a lot, but these are easy adjustments we can all make. You will notice the difference in your energy bill, your [now enhanced] daily routine, and even your tax returns!
Remember: Change takes time, but it's worth the effort!
