Being green is all the rage these days, but I love the “trend” because it usually means saving money. I’ve implemented a few “green” tips into my life and have seen my savings increase substantially.
1. Unplug that cell phone charger – and other things you’re not using. About 8% of your yearly electric bill could be cut if you simply unplugged chargers and other applicances and gadgets you’re not using.
2. For that matter, turn off your computer at night. I never turned my computer off because it was insane the amount of time it took to get it to start up again and act right. But once I figured I could save money by powering down at night, I began to learn a little more patience with my good ol’ Compaq. Funny how that happens.
3. Wash your clothes in cold water. I’ve been doing this for a while now and I think it’s helped keep our water bills below $50 on average.
4. Keep your fridge and freezer full. A half-empty refrigerator has to work harder to keep everything cool, which means a higher bill for you. Running low on groceries? Fill up a pitcher of water to help keep the temperature low.
5. Cook with the lid on. Letting all the heat escape means a longer cooking time, which means more energy which means – you guessed it – more money! Remember, eating at home is supposed to be cheaper so let’s make sure it stays that way!
6. Slow is the way to go. Use a slow cooker to make soups, chilis and other dishes. Letting something roast in the oven can use 75% more energy.
7. Install a programmable thermostat. This might be above the average young mommy’s expertise but the savings is worth it to have someone come install one for you. When we bought our house, the current owners told us they spend about $75 each month for gas/electricity. We spend around $120 for electricity alone in an apartment that is half the size! We asked how they did it and it’s partly because of the thermostat. Turn it off while you’re at work, on for a few hours while you’re at home and then lower the temp while you are sleeping. Major savings.
Any other tips you have for going “green”?
Great tips! Some of them are common sense things I wouldn’t have thought of. I read somewhere to have things plugged into a power surge outlet and just turn it off when you don’t use those things…but then I’d have to reset clocks/settings/etc so that’s why I don’t bother!
We do have one of those programable thermostats and I love it! You can set it for certain temps depending on the time of the day, hold them temp at a certain degree, ahhhh!