Sep 15

Written by: host
9/15/2008 9:34 PM

10 Ways to Save Money and Go Green!

1. Become Anti-Bottle
A bottle of water usually runs between one to two dollars, which means buying a few bottles every week could add up to over one hundred dollars a year.  Buy a reusable water bottle for $15 bucks, use a cup when you can, and pocket the extra cash.

2. Displace Instead of Replace
If you don't have a low flow toilet, place a brick inside the tank.

3. Go Low-Flow
Low-flow showerheads will reduce water consumption, and, because they save hot water, energy consumption as well.

4. Move It, Don’t Lose It
Can’t afford a Prius? Not a problem. There are cheap, even free, ways to keep money in your pocket while still getting around town: bike, walk, run, carpool, or use public transit. Or buy a scooter!

5. Weather Strip It
Weather strip older door frames and windows.

6. Wash Smart
Fill your dishwasher to the brim before washing dishes.

For the clothes washer, use cold water, and during the summer months, line-dry.

7. Make Your Own
Rather than buying often-overpriced green cleaning products, you can make your own with everyday household items like baking soda and vinegar.

8. Ward off the Vampires
You know those appliances that, although turned off, still have a standby screen that’s lit up or flashing? These are known as “vampire” or phantom electricity loads, and have been estimated to be responsible for 10 to 40 percent of the energy used in homes. One way to cut back on their consumption is to buy a power strip (usually about $5) that can be shut off when they’re not in use. Or simply unplug them.

9. Cook Green
Although “budget” menus are supposed to save money, cooking similar meals at home is almost always cheaper. Plus, eating out uses excess packaging which usually ends up in the trash.

10. Buy Less
One of the best ways to save money is simply to buy less stuff.

 

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