Doing the simplest little things can help save the environment and save you money. Here are a list of things to choose from that are simple but effective.

 

Clean on the Cheap

There are two ways to “clean on the cheap”. One is to purchase cleaners that are multi-purpose. Many cleaner companies now days like to promote that they are multi-purpose and some are even eco-friendly, so finding them at everyday stores will be easy. If you do not like having cleaning products around the house for safety reasons, you also have the option to make your cleaning supplies. You only need a few everyday products such as baking soda, vinegar, lemon and soap. Both situations save money, time and packaging. And both can also save indoor air quality.

 

Buy in Bulk

Buying in bulk saves you money on each unit. And if you do not want to have large quantities of items around the house, make it a party – go shopping with family and friends. It will be a great opportunity to split the bulk and have fun while saving money.

 

Buy Smart

Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products. You may pay more for such products but when you do not need to replace the products frequently, which will save you money in the long run and will also be less waste.

 

Update appliances

When updating your washer machines, look for front-loading washing machines – they use less water, less detergent, and less energy. But if you would like to stay with top-loading machines, search for ones without agitators – it uses less water and detergent. Also like comparing a car’s MPG (miles per gallon), you can compare washing machines almost the same way, such as WF (water factor) – measures the amount of water used, and MEF (modified energy factor) – measures the energy efficiency.

Look for products with the Energy Star label – if the appliance has the label, it means that it meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy. If you purchase an appliance with the label, you can save you up to 20 percent on your utility bills. Also search for the yellow energy guide label – this label tells you how energy efficient the appliance is, how it compares to other similar products, and how much it will cost to run for one year. Keep in mind that a highly efficient, more expensive, say refrigerator can cost you less than a less efficient, less expensive model over its lifetime.

 

Conserve Resources to Conserve Money

Install a low-flow showerhead – does not cost much. The water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment quickly. A family of four can cut water usage by as much as 280 gallons a month – and yet not feel much difference in water pressure. Also make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet – these inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high. Or you just take shorter showers – lowers water and heating bills.

Install a programmable thermostat – save as much as $100 a year by letting your thermostat lower the heat 10 to 15 percent when you’re asleep or at work and/or set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.

When light bulbs burn-out around the house, replace them with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. They last up to ten times longer than incandescent bulbs and are four times more efficient. Also, they may cost more than CFL bulbs but you will get your money back in the savings on your electric bill.

Unplug appliances between uses so that ones that like to draw energy even when they are not being used – such as computers, TVs, cell phone chargers, and so on. These types of devices can add about 4 percent to your electricity bill and if unplugged, can save you about $30 a year. You can purchase a “smart” power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts “phantom” or “vampire” energy use or just use traditional power strips to have just one switch to flick between uses.

For larger appliances, here are a few little facts and tips how to save money by using what you currently have: Refrigerators eat up the most electricity in the household, to maximize efficiency keep the fridge at 37° F and the freezer at 0° F. Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible because as much as 85 percent of energy used to machine-washed clothes goes to heating water. Use a drying rack or cloths-line to save energy. If you must use a dryer, you have two options – run the dryer only as long as it takes to dry the clothes or “dryer balls”. Instead of using fabric softener sheets, throw two re-usable dryer balls in the dryer every time you run it and cut dryer time down by 25 percent.

Make use of public transportation, car pool, walk or ride a bike to everyday places. This will use less gas used, save you money, less pollution in the atmosphere and be better for your health.

 

Consider other options before you buy

Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This will save you money and also save ink and paper that would into making new books. Consider sharing power tools and other appliances – get to know your neighbors while cutting down on the amount of things cluttering your closet or garage.

Go online, to such sites as craigslist or FreeShare (.org), to find new or gently used secondhand products like appliances, furniture, and other items cheaply or for free. Check out garage sales, thrift shops, and consignment shops for clothing and everyday items.

Consider tie-dye before throwing out stained or lighter-colored linens and also give clothing items a second shelf life. Recycle old athletic socks – use them as dusters. Instead of purchasing paper towels and paper napkins, turn old towels and shirts into rags and use around the house.

Wear clothes that do not need to be dry-cleaned. If you do not need your clothes dry-cleaned or just a fewer number of them dry-cleaned, it will save you money and it will be less toxic chemicals used to affect the environment.

 

Other tips

  • Skip bottled water, use a water filter to purify tap water.
  • Find a second use for plastic bags from grocery shopping.
  • Safety razors – giving up on disposable razors for the old-fashioned safety razors is a great way to save money and the environment at the same time.
  • Mineral salt deodorant sticks – lasts longer than traditional deodorant sticks.
  • Wear clothes that do not need to be dry-cleaned and it lessens the use of toxic chemicals.
  • Use rechargeable batteries.
  • Print only when necessary and even then print on both sides of the paper.
  • Fix any leaks or cracks around the house.

Doing the simplest little things can help save the environment and also save you money in the long run. You do not have to a tree-hugger to do your part in saving Earth.

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