Cheap and Eco-Friendly Strategies: Save Money, Save the World

Are you looking for a way to save money and help protect the planet? If so, this article is just what you need! We will discuss ways that you can easily save energy and resources while saving money at the same time. Everyone has a part to play in helping to save the planet, but it doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. By taking simple steps such as changing your habits or investing in energy-saving appliances, you can make a difference both financially and environmentally.

Not using it? Turn it off

We all know how important it is to save energy and resources in our homes. However, we rarely think about how much electricity and other resources we can save by simply turning off the power when not in use. Turning off the power while you are not using it is a simple way to conserve energy and money, reduce your carbon footprint, and cool your house when you leave .

It’s also a good idea to switch off ALL of your electrical appliances at the powerpoint (or even unplug them from the wall) when you’re going on holidays or leaving the house for an extended period of time.

Change your bulbs

At a time when people are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprints and save money, changing light bulbs is a great place to start! Replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with LED or other energy-efficient lighting can save both money and energy, helping to protect the planet from further environmental damage. Not only that, but making this small switch can also make a big difference in the long run. LED light bulbs are up to 80% more energy efficient than regularly light bulbs. They also last longer, so making the switch is a win win!

Heating up and cooling off

Heating and cooling systems are some of the most energy (and money) hungry users in your home. A simple way to reduce the costs of heating and cooling is to shut your doors and draw your curtains closed, trapping the hot or cold air inside.

Close the doors of the rooms/areas you want to heat or cool as well, and only turn on these appliances in rooms/areas that you spend the most time.

Drawing your curtains closed will help seal your windows – stopping the warm or cool air from escaping.

Be smart about your laundry

If you’re like the majority of people, laundry is a necessary part of everyday life. But using smart tactics to launder clothes can save you money and help protect the environment.

Saving money on laundry starts with washing your clothes in cold water. It may be tempting to use hot water for heavily soiled or stained items, but warm or cold water is just as effective when combined with detergent specifically made for cold-water washes. By doing this, you can reduce energy costs by up to 90 percent compared to washing in hot water.

When you can, wash your clothes in cold water and make sure you are only starting a washing cycle when the machine is full.

Clothes dryers are extremely energy hungry appliances, so if possible, try dry your clothes naturally outside or use a fan to dry them inside. It may take slightly longer, but it’s worth it! Plus, the sunshine acts a natural antibacterial treatment, giving your washing an extra level of cleanliness.

In addition to saving energy, choose detergents that are free of phosphates and other harsh chemicals. Less chemicals mean less impact on both your wallet and our planet’s health.

Anything broken or not working properly?

When an appliance is broken, defective or needs servicing, it doesn’t work as efficiently. Have a walk through of your house and ensure that all appliances are in good working condition.

Things to check:

• Fridge and freezer door seals – broken seals can let cool air out, making your fridge work harder to keep a constant temperature.
• Dishwasher filters – clean or replace your filters to make your dishwasher run as well as possible.
• Heating and cooling appliances – make sure you are regularly servicing your heating and cooling systems.

When checking appliances, consider how old it is. Newer appliances are far more energy efficient than older models. Appliances on the market now, are rated on a 6-star energy efficiency rating system. The more stars, the more energy-efficient the product is, in comparison to other models in its category.

So there you have it! Save some $$ by utilizing these handy home hints.  It doesn’t take much but over the long term, these small changes will make a big difference to your expense bills.