Remember when you were a kid and your mother always was on your X*$& about all those lights you left on? Think about how many more “electronic gadgets” homes have nowadays; some of our residences probably glow in the dark, even with all the lights turned off.

It’s a fact, the average American household spews over 26,000 pounds of carbon dioxide waste each year into the air that we breathe.  And we pay to do it, it takes energy to create all that gas, in the form of our utility bills. Wouldn’t it be a win-win scenario if we could cut our energy bills, in combination with doing something to help the environment?

Here are some ideas to do just that:

• Replace your light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs. They use about 75% less electricity than a traditional incandescent bulb and last ten times longer, thus they end up saving you money (despite their expensive initial price tag of $5 or so).
• Insulate your water heater. An easy process, simply purchase a water heater insulating “jacket” at the local hardware store for less than $25; this should pay for itself in utility savings within the first year.
• Use power strips. Most of us do this out of necessity with all the computer, and entertainment-center related gadgetry we are inclined to possess. Believe it or not, even if all your gadgets are turned off but still plugged in, they are using “phantom” power. Turning off the entire strip will eliminate this wasteful use of electricity.
• Buy used or refurbished items. Think of everything that ends up in a landfill; if we maximize useful life of these items, the holes in our earth may be smaller.
• Use “clean” energy. Although it might cost a little more, check with your utility company to see if they offer alternative “clean” energy from sources such as water (hydroelectric) or wind.
• Insulate doors and windows. Another pretty obvious step, particularly if you live in an extremely hot (Phoenix!) or cool climate. You can spend a lot to replace them with energy efficient, dual pane versions (and send the old ones to the landfill) or just use some inexpensive plastic insulating “kit” from a hardware store.
• Install low-flow shower heads and a toilet “tank bank”. Yes, saving water as well will green up our environment. Find these items at the local hardware store.
• Air dry clothes, and dishes if possible. Buy fabrics that dry quickly and don’t wrinkle (like polyester; yeah, I know, yikes!).
• Turn lights off, TVs, radios, etc. when you leave the room. Duh!

So give the environment a break and save a few bucks in the process. Hey, you may find out you look great in that polyester suit; never know until you try it.

Love to hear more interesting ideas for greening up the home; readers?

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