Simple Changes To Make Your Home Green
We've all heard the call for making our home and lifestyle more "green" and eco-friendly, but it can sometimes be hard to know where to start. It seems that implementing major changes can be expensive and time-comsuming, and this is true to some extent. However, there are a few small things we can do that are very easy to implement and add up over time. Read here about what you can do today to start making the changes that make for a better world.
An easy place to start is with driving habits. It's no secret that electric cars are pricey to purchase, so it is cost-prohibitive to many people. However, you can do your part right away by simply stopping the habit of letting your car idle when it is not necessary to do so. This will save gasoline, which equates to saving money for you at the pump. It will also lessen the impact of automobiles on the environment.
Though it seems like an obvious thing to do, make sure that you turn off the power on your PC or laptop when you retire for the night. It may seem convenient to keep it going in order to avoid re-booting it every time you need it, but it really only takes seconds to do this and the impact on energy savings would be considerable if everyone made this a practice. Unplug it from the power source, as well, when it is not in use.
Many utility companies offer the opportunity to purchase "green" energy, which is sourced from alternative means such as wind and solar. Visit utility websites to find out what is available and how you can be a part of these programs. You will generally not even notice a difference, and you will be helping your city conserve valuable energy sources.
Do you really need your thermostat to be at an even temperature throughout the day and night? Lowering it by just one or two degrees can add up to big savings. Put on a sweater or extra layer of clothing to make up for the lower temperatures. When you will not be at home during the day, this is an ideal time to keep your home at a lower temperature. You will probably not even notice it if you lower the thermostat at night when you are sleeping as well. Just put an extra blanket on the bed in case you feel chilly, or sleep in lighter clothing in the summer months in order to save on cooling bills.
It is actually a myth that clothes get cleaner in hot water, so consider using cold instead. Your clothes will probably last longer when they are washed in cold temperatures. Rather than automatically throwing everything into the dryer, choose heavy items that you can lay out to dry. Particularly in the summer months, try hanging clothes outside to dry. You can always pop them in the dryer for a few minutes later to knock out the wrinkles and make clothing seem soft. Generations before us routinely dried their clothes outdoors or hung them in the bathroom on lines, and it works just fine. They will even have a nice, fresh smell from natural breezes.
If you are not already doing so, pay your bills online and eliminate the need for paper bills. This will save paper, time and gasoline from postal deliveries. Thought it will mean a slight increase in energy for being on your computer more often, this will have a much smaller impact on the environment. It is also much more convenient, especially if you happen to be away from home when bills are due. Many banks also eliminate service charges for those who request paperless bank statements and automatic bill payment services.
Request a stop on junk mail being delivered to your home. This includes marketing campaigns and flyers from local businesses. If you rely on these to know when things go on sale, simply sign up for emails from these businesses, or check their websites regularly for updates.
As you see now, there are many small things you can do to help out when it comes to improving the quality of life through green living. Try some of these things today in order to make a better life for the future.
