Going green isn’t difficult these days. While 30 years ago people snickered at the three people in the US who drove electric cars, today hybrid cars are sought after and driven by people from all walks of life.
While driving a hybrid is a great way to go green, many people can’t afford to make that purchase, so here are some small affordable ways you can go green in your home.
Set your thermostat a little higher/ lower.
In the summer you reduce your energy costs significantly for every degree above 78. While it might take some getting use to, it is definitely an option to reduce energy usage.
Use a clothesline.
Even if you can’t put one outside an indoor clothesline will cut down on dryer use as well. Last time I checked it costs about $0.25 per load of laundry to dry it in the dryer. It doesn’t sound like much, but not only will you be saving money, you’re saving energy and your clothes will last longer.
Stop the one item trips to the store.
Several years ago I decided to stop running to the store every time I needed something. Not only did this help our budget, it reduced our gas bill. Make do with what you have for an extra day or two, or wait until you have multiple errands to run before heading out.
Keep your kitchen cool in the summer.
A hot kitchen will keep your air conditioner working overtime in the summer. Reduce oven usage and follow these tips for keeping your kitchen cool in the summertime.
Make your own compost bin.
Did you know you can make your own compost bin using an old trash can and a bungee cord. It is so simple even your kids can do it. Instead of throwing food scraps away you can throw them in your bin and use them to fertilize your yard/ garden.
Find new uses for old things.
Don’t throw it out, find a new way to use it instead. Turn lonely socks and old into dust rags. Use egg cartons to start seeds indoors. Milk jugs can be turned into a hothouse for seedlings. If you really must get rid of it, consider recycling it or donating it to the thrift store so it can be used again.
