Your Guide To Green

Economic concerns have us all cutting corners, but did you know that staying green may be one of the most effective cost-cutters today? Here are eight fool-proof ways to stay green while saving you money.

1. Banish the bottles. You may not realize it, but the plastic bottle water craze is costing us some pretty pennies. According to Bottom Line Personal, the average bottled water user spends $1,400 a year to feed their plastic water bottle habit…and 95% of those bottles are not being recycled. Consider investing $99 of those dollars for a Premium 10-stage Water Filter  and top it off with stainless steel bottles (you can get two for the price of one right now) and save your family close to $1,300 each year.

2. Change out the light bulbs. You can save up to $45 in electricity costs by switching the average 75-watt incandescent bulb with a compact fluorescent bulb (CFL).  Plus, an 18-watt CFL buys you the same light as ten (that’s 10!) ordinary 75-watt incandescent bulbs. An added bonus is you only have to change the bulb about once every five years. Also, because CFLs emit very little heat, they won't make your room warmer or force your air-conditioner to work harder. Visit Your Guide to Green.com for great deals on CFLs.

3. Garden with Greywater. Decrease your water bill and re-use your water all in one. Greywater (the wastewater from household showers, sinks and washers) is a great source for irrigating via a simple system that connects your indoor and outdoor greywater sources with your exterior irrigation needs. Anywhere between 50 to 80 percent of residential wastewater is not only suitable for watering your landscape, but actually provides necessary nutrients to your plants and landscape. As a result, using greywater will noticeably decrease your freshwater consumption and help lower your water bills.  For a book on how to install your own greywater system, click here.

4. Opt for More Veggies. Beef and poultry are more costly to buy than the veggies, fruits and grains recommended on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s food pyramid. This is a win-win situation since a healthier diet is also easier on the budget. And it’s better for the overall environment considering that raising cattle and other meat-producing herds can weigh heavily on the environment. Even just increasing the salad while decreasing the meat on your dinner plate will help. Plus for the best quality and environmentally conscious veggies, visit your local farmers market.  For a great book on natural gardens click here.  

5. Sink and Shower Savings. Low-flow showerheads and sink attachments are inexpensive, easy-to-install ways to save you money, while easing water waste. A low-flow showerhead can save you up to 3,000 gallons of water per person per year. Sink attachments cost $2.50 and showerheads start at $30. Check out our line of water saving gadgets.

6. Purchase a Programmable Thermostat. Too many homes waste a great deal of energy (and money) by heating and cooling an empty house. A programmable thermostat allows you to set the cooling and heating by day and time to maximize efficiency and money savings. These devices cost $50, take only about 15 minutes to install and promise to save at least $180 annually for the average family (according to www.energystar.gov). You can find one at your local home improvement store.

7. Turn Up the Heat. Arizona Public Service, an Arizona utility company states, “For every degree you turn up your thermostat during air-conditioning season, you'll save about two percent on cooling costs.” That’s at least a few dollars right off the top of each month’s bills. Try setting your thermostat at 78 degrees and turning on your ceiling fan. Then inch the thermostat up as far as you can and see if you still feel comfortable.

8. Show Your Water Heater Some Love. Simple maintenance of water heaters can ensure energy and money savings. First, turn the temperature down to at least 120 degrees. Most people run their water heater too hot. Then get an insulation sweater to put around your water heater– it will significantly reduce the amount of energy the heater uses to keep the water hot, while keeping your bill down.

As for some long-term green plans to save money:

• Sign up for your utility company’s energy savings programs and/or purchase all energy star appliances for your home.
• Install solar panels, which may sound expensive but are offset by federal tax credits and the rebates offered by your utility company. The use of solar panels alone consistently saves Your Guide to Green co-founder Greg Peterson more than 50 percent on his monthly energy bill. It’s an easy, fool-proof way to save money and energy.
• Plant trees in your yard to lower heating and cooling costs. As the trees mature, you could save around $250 a year.

So no matter your economic condition, staying green is an investment in the future that can save us all money today.  Happy saving!