Tips To Save the Environment

Protecting the environment doesn’t have to be expensive. Even if you are on a fixed income, there are some things that you can do to help save the environment. Here are affordable steps that you can take at home, in your yard, at the store, and on the road to start helping and set an example. These steps will not only reduce your ecological footprint, but also save you money and help you live a happier and healthier life.

Inside Your Home
Did you know that the average house is responsible for more air pollution than the average car? You can cut utility bills and save energy by purchasing energy-efficient appliances, fixtures, and other home equipment and products.

• When light bulbs burn out, replace them with compact fluorescent bulbs. Converting bulbs can help you save energy and compact fluorescent bulbs last much longer then standard light bulbs.



• Insulate your home and tune up the furnace to save on fuel bills. Also set the thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer. This will result in substantial savings on utility bills and energy consumption.



• Save on your energy bill by using cold water to wash clothes. Modern detergents clean well in either hot or cold water, so choose cold when possible.



• If new appliances are needed consider buying an ENERGY STAR appliance. You can reduce energy consumption by 40% when you buy home products that have the ENERGY STAR label and save money in the long run. There are many ENERGY STAR products to choose from such as: washers, dryers, microwaves, air conditioners, and even ceiling fans.

• Plant trees in strategic locations around your yard. Shade trees can reduce your energy bill. The average tree can remove 50 pounds of carbon from the air in one year during photosynthesis.



• Use a push mower instead of a power mower to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 pounds per year.



• Compost it. Allow grass clippings to stay on the lawn, instead of placing them in a bag. The cut grass will decompose and return to the soil naturally. Composting helps reduce the amount of waste you send to the landfill. It can also save you money if you live in a place with a "pay as you throw" system. By composting grass, you create free, healthy fertilizer for your garden.

• If you use a battery operated flashlight or radio, instead of buying new batteries, buy rechargeable batteries. The rechargeable batteries and the charger cost a little more initially, but will save you money in the long run. In addition, this will reduce the number of dead batteries in our landfill.



• Donate or recycle old eye glasses and hearing aids. Many organizations collect used eyeglasses and hearing aids, clean them and distribute them to those in need.



• E-waste from discarded cell phones and computers is a growing problem. Donating used electronics to be reused extends the lives of valuable products and keeps them out of the landfills. Reuse is an environmentally preferable alternative and benefits all of us. By donating used electronics, schools, nonprofit organizations, and families are able to obtain equipment that they otherwise could not afford.



• Recycle aluminum cans, glass bottles, plastic, cardboard, and newspapers. Recycling can reduce your home’s carbon dioxide emissions by 850 pounds per year and keep trash out of the landfill.

• Shop at the local farmers' market. Though the offerings seem more expensive, you can generally count on a higher quality product-and the entire purchase price goes to the farmer. Buying any goods produced locally saves energy by reducing the fossil fuels needed to transport food and other items across the country.



• Whether moving to a new area or trying to downsize, consider garage sales and thrift stores for buying and donating clothing and everyday items.



• Use creativity in gift giving, including making homemade gifts or even giving away an unused gift.



• Skip the bottled water at the grocery store and filter your tap water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it produces large amounts of container waste. Container waste is responsible for 4% of U.S. energy consumption.



• Use reusable grocery bags to reduce the volume of used bags in landfills. This can save consumption of oil to produce plastic bags. Many grocery stores now sell sturdy cloth grocery bags. Keep a stash of reusable bags in the pantry.

• Use ride sharing for shopping trips. If you drive, try to consolidate several errands into one trip. If you don't drive, ask friends if you can share a ride and combine trips with them. You can also walk or bike for short errands and save on gas, and the hassle of finding a parking space. By walking or biking you can reduce your blood pressure and improve your health and well-being as well. Check to see if there is public transportation available in your community. By reducing your car trips you will reduce air pollution and save on fuel.



• In hot weather, go to the gas station early in the morning or after dark. By filling the tank when it’s cooler, fuel evaporates less and keeps smog-forming chemicals out of the air.



• Keep your car well-tuned and tires properly inflated to save on fuel costs.

• Ask your friends and family to adopt these same practices daily to protect the environment. If you follow these simple and important recommendations you will save money and make a difference for the environment.

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