Every Little Bit Helps. How Being Eco-Friendly Can Be Eco-nomical
What can you do to help save the environment and some extra money? You can start by doing the little things – like going paperless with Green$ense. By receiving electronic statements and making electronic payments with Green$ense, you can have a big impact on the environment. Here’s how an average household in the United States, which receives 19 bills/statements and makes 7 electronic payments, can impact the environment.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions – equivalent to 176 miles of driving
- Reduce paper consumption by 6 pounds
- Save 4.5 gallons of gasoline
- Save 63 gallons of water
There are other small ways you can have a big impact on the environment – and energy costs – with our helpful recycling and environmental articles, as well as water conservation tips. Consider these quick facts:
- Water conservation tip: Fixing a drippy faucet or showerhead can save more than 3,000 gallons of water per year.
- Energy reduction tip: Switching to ENERGY STAR-rated heating and cooling equipment can cut your annual energy bill by nearly $200.
- Recycling tip: Re-using and refilling toner cartridges can save money and reduce waste at the same time.
For more ways to save and helpful environmental and recycling articles, check out our insightful tips for your home, your office, your travels, and your community.
Be Green and Save Money without Spending a Dime
Lots of suggestions on how to be more green involve some type of initial investment. Switching from a Suburban to a Prius will save you money for sure, but there is also a large up front investment. Same with solar hot water heaters, more energy efficient appliances and reusable shopping bags.
There are six ideas to try after the jump that shouldn't cost you anything because you should already have what you need to implement them.
1. Hang your laundry to dry. Outside on a clothesline or put up a clothesline inside. Or put to use drying racks you already have. If you don't have any, ask around until you find some from friends and neighbors. Or, put things on plastic hangers and hang them on your shower rod in the bathroom.
2. Eat less meat. It's better for the planet and your wallet. You don't have to go totally vegetarian but start planning a few meat free meals each week. It will save you money, calories and help the Earth all in one!
3. If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure it's programmed properly. If you don't, put a note on the door to remind you to adjust it (or turn it off) before you leave each day. Also, this time of year, pay attention to the weather. Many days lately I can turn off the thermostat completely and open the windows.
4. Adjust your workweek. If you have a boss who is at all flexible, try for a deal to work four 10-hour days instead of five 8-hour days. Maybe agree to try it for one month and see how it works. Or, see if you can telecommute one day per week. Anything to cut down on driving! Plus it gives you more time to hang clothes out on the clothesline!
5. Pick one trip per week of 2 miles or less and use your bike instead of your car. Not possible? Pick one day when you will do no additional driving at all, except to the office if you must.
6. Use baking soda to clean almost anything (including your teeth) for much cheaper than traditional or green cleaning products.
(Source: http://www.greendaily.com/2008/10/08/be-green-and-save-money-without-spending-any/)
