Save Money by Going Green

A lot of people don't realize that green living isn't just good for the environment. Your household and office can save money by going green! The problem for many folks is that they do not know where to begin. This article will get you going in the right direction.

Household Utilities 101:

Your home consumes a lot of energy. In turn, that costs you a lot of money. I you start transforming your home into one that's energy efficient, you not only have more cash in your pocket, but you're also helping reduce dependency on non-renewable energy sources.

Here are some suggestions:

Energy efficient light bulbs. Don't be fooled by the price tag. That $7 bulb will last over one year and requires less electricity.
Don't leave appliances plugged in. This keeps energy from seeping out.
Adjust the thermostat by two degrees down for heat and cooling. That alone makes a big difference in your utility bills.
Use rechargeable batteries. There's a little extra layout initially but if you have children particularly this represents a huge annual savings.
Turn down the temperature on your water heater. Most water heaters are set far higher than necessary for bathing etc.
Go rustic – put your clothing outside to dry instead of using a gas or electric dryer.
Install draft stoppers and improve your insulation (note: many States offer special subsidies and tax credits for this kind of home improvement).
Change over your showerhead to a low-flow model to regulate water consumption
Keep your freezer filled: it's more energy efficient (just remember to keep the oldest items close to the front for use).

On the Road:

Carpool with a friend and encourage carpooling groups at work (this way there is more than one option for when people are on vacation etc.)
Use rapid transit: dollar for dollar it's usually less than car insurance, car payments and gasoline.
Ask about telecommuting – hey, work in your pajamas!
Bike or walk when you need to get to nearby locations – save money by going green and get a better body as a result!

Thinking Local and Global:

Support local merchants. The key to getting the costs down for small businesses is providing them patronage. The closer to home, the less you're using gas and time commuting for supplies.
Practice Freecycling within your community. Your trash in good condition may well be someone else's treasure (and vise versa). Note that this includes things like left over construction supplies that you would otherwise have to pay to discard.
Buy books at used bookstores, or utilize your local library. Many used bookstores offer "store credit" for books you don't want to keep for future reading.
Utilize your grocery store's bulk food section, and also harvest the farmer's market. If you learn to can and preserve your foods, you'll not only save money but have exactly the kind of food you and your family most enjoy.
Garden (you can't get more local, fresher or more convenient than food in your own yard).

At the Office:

Collect ink and toner cartridges. Many office supply companies offer $3.00 each for up to 10 of these a week. That $30s adds up really quickly, and you can roll that savings back into your home office or company.
Use online ordering and banking. It saves paper and travel.
Move more! Instead of calling someone, walk down the hall or take the stairs. Get to know your co-workers, get in shape, and save electricity.
Start a recycled office product program. Have staff send their usable items to a central location for processing out to other staff members who need those goods.
This list is really just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The more you begin going green to save money, the more aware you'll become. Over time it will simply become natural and you'll get some great ideas of your own for being greener (both in your wallet and by being kinder to the earth).

Looking for more easy ways of going green? The EnvyMyHealth.com Store is proud to carry Fire and Light Glassware, made from 100% recycled glass! You have to see it to believe it!

Go Green!

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