1. Save energy to save money |
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Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs. |
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Perform routine maintenance and inspection on your current appliances. According to www.partselect.com, a faulty part can lead to a significant reduction in efficiency.
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Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out. |
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Unplug appliances when you're not using them. |
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Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water. |
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Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy. |
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2. Save water to save money |
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Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too. |
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Install a low-flow showerhead. They don't cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment. |
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Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high. |
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Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden. |
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3. Less gas = more money |
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Consider telecommuting if you live far from your work. Or move closer. Even if this means paying more rent, it could save you money in the long term. |
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4. Eat smart |
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If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. |
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Buy locally raised, humane, and organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. |
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Watch videos about why local food and sustainable seafood are so great. |
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Whatever your diet, eat low on the food chain. |
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5. Skip the bottled water at home |
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Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste. |
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Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminum rather than plastic, with you when traveling or at work. |
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6. Think before you buy |
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Go online to find new or gently used secondhand products. |
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Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items. |
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When making purchases, make sure you know what's "Good Stuff" and what isn't. |
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Watch a video about what happens when you buy things. |
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7. Borrow instead of buying |
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Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books. |
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Share power tools and other appliances. |
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8. Buy smart |
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Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging. |
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Wear clothes that don't need to be dry-cleaned. This saves money and cuts down on toxic chemical use. |
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Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products. You might pay more now, but you'll be happy when you don't have to replace items as frequently. |
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9. Keep electronics out of the trash |
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Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible. |
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Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes. E-waste contains mercury and other toxics and is a growing environmental problem. |
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Recycle your cell phone. |
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10. Make your own cleaning supplies |
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The big secret: you can make very effective, non-toxic cleaning products whenever you need them. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap. |
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Making your own cleaning products saves money, time, and packaging-not to mention your indoor air quality. |
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