Green planet.
Green in your wallet.
Eco-friendly tips that will help save you a little green
Learn the three R’s of environmental responsibility—
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Taking care of the environment is important. We all know that. But can you take care of the environment while taking care of your bank account at the same time? The answer is a resounding yes. In fact, there are many ways that adopting an eco-conscious lifestyle can actually save you money.
Below is some information on the three R’s of environmental responsibility—how to reduce, reuse and recycle. Also offered are tips on how to incorporate the three R’s into your daily life, and put a little green back in your pocket at the same time.
Reduce—
The first step we can take toward an environmentally responsible lifestyle is to reduce our consumption. Use less, waste less. Waste less, replace less. Reducing helps the environment and our wallet at the same time.
Reuse—
After we reduce our consumption, the second step toward environmental responsibility is to reuse. Reusing gives new life to something you might otherwise toss away. Think of repurposing, such as using a tin can to plant herbs that will later go in your garden; or, simply use the same item over again like rinsing out a plastic bag to use for a second lunch.
Recycle—
The third and final step toward an environmentally conscious lifestyle is recycling. Whether we recycle or not, most of us are familiar with it. There are blue bags, blue bins and recycling centers depending on where we live. Some cities even have special programs to recycle used electronics like computers, printers, cell phones and fax machines.
Here are some tips on how to incorporate the three R’s into your daily life and save money in the process!
Reduce –
Appliances
- When it is time, replace older faucets, showerheads, toilets, washer/dryers and dishwashers with energy efficient models. Energy Star appliances can cut your energy bills by as much as 30%.
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer full. They run more efficiently and use less energy when packed tightly. Don’t worry about filling them with food; ice cube trays and water pitchers will do the job.
- Run the dishwasher only when full.
- Unplug your appliances when they aren’t in use. This can save as much as $10 per year per item.
Tax Savings for Going Green
- Tax credits may be available for making energy efficient improvements to your home. You may receive credits for doors and storm doors, replacement windows, water heaters and some high efficiency heating and cooling equipment.
- There may be tax credits available for the purchase of certain new hybrid vehicles.
- Qualified solar water heating systems may be eligible for tax credits.
Saving Water
About fifteen percent of energy costs go to heating water; here are some ways to save:
- Take shorter showers in cooler water.
- Use cold wash settings for your washing machine and hang clothes to dry.
Conserving Heat and Energy
Home energy will cost the average family nearly $2,400 this year. Here are some ways to cut energy bills:
- Plant trees around your home, reducing heat and air conditioning costs.
- Change furnace filters at least once a month.
- Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. You’ll save $30 or more in energy costs over the life of each bulb.
- Using a programmable thermostat for heating and air conditioning can save the average single family home around $180 per year.
Greener Driving
Driving a car will cost nearly $4,000. These tips can help reduce these costs:
- Carpooling is an easy way to significantly impact the environment and save money.
- Instead of using your car, take your bike, walk or use public transportation.
- Don’t speed when you drive. Keeping a constant speed of 65 mph instead of 75 mph increases fuel economy by about 10%.
- Keep tires properly inflated. For every 3 lbs. below the recommended PSI, fuel economy decreases 1%.
- Avoid aggressive driving. Fast stops and starts can decrease fuel economy significantly.
- Group errands together in one trip.
When you are in the market for a new vehicle, consider a hybrid or more energy efficient model.
Greener Shopping
- Bring your own bag. One reusable grocery bag can save hundreds of plastic bags every year.
- Eliminate the use of plastic water bottles. 86% of water bottles produced end up in the garbage. You’ll save money and reduce waste.
Banking and Home Office
- Sign up for online banking and statements. Save postage, envelopes and time. Some banks now charge for paper statements, so going paperless is not only green, it saves you money.
- Prevent identity theft. Request credit reports and scores online. You'll receive your free report in seconds, and for a small fee, you'll get your score. According to the Better Business Bureau, regularly monitoring your credit online is one of the most cost effective and easy ways of protecting your financial well being.
- Buy recycled or FSC paper products.
- Use draft and double-sided print settings whenever possible. You’ll save on both paper and ink costs.
- Use refillable ink cartridges.
- Turn off your computer at night. This simple action can save up to $90 per year.
- Using a laptop consumes only 10% of the energy of using a desktop computer.
Reuse—
- When we reuse, we save money because we aren’t purchasing new. The environment benefits too, because less waste ends up in the landfill.
- Use a rain barrel to water your garden, and reduce your water bill at the same time.
- Use plastic grocery and newspaper bags for pet waste bags.
- Rinse and reuse plastic food storage bags.
- Use rechargeable batteries.
- Buy vintage! Look at thrift and resale shops for clothes, accessories and jewelry.
Recycle—
Up to 84% of household trash can be recycled, yet the actual percentage that is recycled annually in theU.S. is around 32%.
- Have a garage sale. Recycle your old stuff and be good to the earth at the same time!
- Use Freecycle, Ecoflip or one of the other community barter websites to obtain or trade goods or services.
- Donate old office equipment, clothes, furniture, books, CDs and DVDs and other items which may be tax deductible.
- Recycling used cell phones and electronics may generate a payout; some phones can be worth as much as $50!
Be good to the environment and be good to your wallet!
