What’s the definition of being “green” anyway? Do we have an agency that approves a “green card”? Oh wait, we do have one of those…but I digress. I’m here to officially anoint you “green” if the only thing you do this year is switch out your toilet paper for the recycled version. Sure, going green is a noble thing to do, but let’s face it, saving the planet is not on peoples top priority list. Saving money, however, is. I read a fabulous book titled, “Going Green, Saving Green.” Although my family isn’t going to do everything the book suggests due to comfort reasons, there were simple things that could save us money and the environment. In fact, I calculated the simple things we were willing to do and it is estimated to save us $5,000 a year!
Below are a few simple things you can do to save money AND wear that green badge of honor. The cost savings are expected savings for one year. Start with one thing and start to add additional tips as you’re comfortable. Some of these might not seem very “green”, but the less stuff we buy, and how we buy it, can make a big difference to the environment. Before you know it, you’ll be calling yourself an environmentalist!
DON'T SPEED, OIL CHANGED, TIRE PRESSURE $634
BRING LUNCH FROM HOME $400
PURCHASE CLOTHES AT GOODWILL $500
GROW SUMMER VEGETABLES $300
TURN THERMOSTAT DOWN 3 DEGREES $200
TURN LIGHTS OFF WHEN LEAVING ROOM $40
TURN FRIDGE TO LOWEST SETTING $50
CLOSE FIREPLACE DAMPER WHEN NOT IN USE $100
SPENDING FREEZE ONE WEEK MONTH $600
BORROW MOVIES AND BOOKS FROM LIBRARY $160
BUY FOOD IN BULK $260
BAKE OWN BREAD $208
MEAT ONCE WEEK $624
DON'T THROW AWAY EDIBLE FOOD $600
BRING OWN BAGS TO STORE $20
PHOSPHAT FREE DISH DETERGENT
USE KITCHEN CLOTHS RATHER THAN PAPERTOWELS
USE MATCHES NOT LIGHTERS
BUY RECYCLED PRINTER PAPER
USE POWER STRIPS TO REALLY TURN OFF STUFF
WASH FURNICE FILTER
TURN WATER TO 120 DEGREES
UTILITY AUDIT BY PSE
MORE INDOOR PLANTS TO CLEAN POLLUTANTS
