It’s Summer 2011. It is hot, it is humid, it is dry, and the economy still isn’t booming like we would want. So in order to help you out, we have compiled this list of 5 quick tips to help you save some money and be eco-friendly at the same time. Some of these you may have heard before and they will be good reminders, others may be new to you and give you a fresh new look on saving some cash!
Turn Off Energy Drainers: The digital displays on audio equipment, DVD players, TVs, coffee makers and even cell phone chargers continuously drain power. Plug them all into a power bar and flick it off before you leave the house for the day or go to bed at night. (Suite101)
Keep Air Conditioning To A Minimum: Between air conditioning, fans, and swamp coolers – all of these run on electricity. In the summer months these appliances use up large quantities of energy and money out of your pocket. Consider using darkening window treatments in rooms that have a lot of heat gain in the summer. These treatments will keep your home cooler, and will help you save electricity. If you own blinds or shutters, close them so they face towards the ceiling. This will keep heat levels lower, and will help slow fading of your furniture upholstery and carpet. When using air conditioning set it at the warmest temperature you can feel comfortable inside your home. While some would think 80 degrees is warm – it’s a lot cooler than 103 outside your home! And during the hottest parts of the day (afternoons), spend time in public places like the mall or your local Goodwill store which are nice and cool, and you can give your AC at home a break. (Fresh Home)
Shop Thrift Stores! Okay, being Goodwill, we might be bias on this one, but PlanetGreen.com released an article on this, so we will let you read it: “To the amateur shopper, buying clothing and other personal items is a mundane but necessary activity. However, those of us who have discovered the wonderful wide world of "thrifting", we see shopping as a magically gratifying experience. Thrifting is the act of shopping for clothes, furniture, housewares or various other items at second hand stores commonly referred to as thrift shops. The excitement of investigating the isles of a local buy, sell, and/or trade store is not only finding great bargains, but also uncovering unique items you're not likely to find in any mall. The added bonus is that thrifters like me are getting good cheap stuff and being environmentalists all at once. Buying, selling and trading used items keeps great usable stuff out of landfills.” To read this article and more, follow the PlanetGreen.com link below!
Don’t Waste Food. Every year, the United States
Plant A Tree. So we have all heard this one before. In fact, planting trees may have been one of the original green activities. However, now we bring to light the more personal beneficial reasons to plant trees. First of all, planting a tree carefully near your own home can help shade your house, from the sun and the wind. Studies show that trees can reduce your energy use by nearly 30%. Second, planting a tree near your home can increase your property value. A 2010 Forest Service study estimated that "a neighborhood tree growing along the public right-of-way added an average of $12,828 to the combined value of all houses within 100 feet.” And most importantly, planting a tree helps clean the environment, providing fresh oxygen, and also beautifies your home. (The Daily Green)
Hopefully these 5-Quick Tips will help you save some cash and save our planet. Thanks for being a positive part of this community we call Earth.
References:
The Daily Green: http://www.thedailygreen.com/going-green/tips/shade-trees
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