Everybody wants to go green today and make the most of the many green energy options that are available. Unfortunately, it can take a bit of an investment to add a green energy system to your home; however, there are lots of simple green energy practices you can begin right now to do your part, reduce your carbon footprint and save money. Read on to learn more.
Throw out your incandescent light bulbs and change to cool, energy efficient, long lived LED or CFL bulbs. You may have been avoiding this because these types of bulbs seem expensive when sitting side by side with incandescent bulbs on your grocer’s shelves; however, they are actually a good bargain. They last longer and use less energy, and you will notice savings on your electric bill when you make the switch. Remember that using less energy means producing less pollution and reducing the size of your carbon footprint, so making this smart, simple change makes a real difference.
You may have had a hard time just getting the appliances you have, and it may be that you are simply not in a financial position to make a switch. If this is the case, the best you can do is use your appliances sparingly by only running your washer and dryer with full loads, using your oven to prepare several baked items at once, keeping your water heater covered with an insulating blanket, and so on.
If you are able to replace appliances, be sure to get energy conserving Energy Star appliances. If one of your existing appliances breaks down, make an effort to find an Energy Star replacement for it. These types of appliances have been around for a while, so you should be able to find a good second-hand model of almost any major appliance.
Use old-fashioned common sense to make green energy choices. Make it a habit to turn off the lights every time you leave a room. Turn off your television when no one is actually watching it. Plug your electronic items, such as computers and printers, into surge-protecting power bars, and simply switch the entire bar off when you are finished working on your computer for the day. This will protect your valuable investment in your equipment and save you money by preventing phantom power loss.
Get out of the habit of hopping in the car to go to the store every time you need something. Use the green energy of your feet to save fossil fuels and reduce your carbon footprint. If you are going less than a mile, walk. If you are going less than 5 miles, ride your bike. Otherwise, choose to share a ride by using public transportation or carpooling with others. Reduce the number of times you use your car by planning your errands carefully to accomplish as much as possible in one trip. Park in a central location and walk to the stores and offices you need to visit.
Clearly, even if you don’t have much money there are lots of things you can do to make use of green energy right this very minute. In fact, if money is tight, making smart, green choices is exactly the thing to do to make the most of your resources. while doing your part to protect and preserve the planet earth.