Living an energy-efficient lifestyle will help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint. There are many ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle that don’t require you to make drastic or expensive changes. You can start living a more environmentally friendly life with these simple tips!
1. Reduce Your Energy Bill
This is one of the most obvious ways to save energy, but you would be surprised at how much money this simple step can save you each year! As stated by the team at Electricity Monster, comparing electricity providers is one way to find out which one will save you the most money. It’s important to remember when looking for a new electricity plan that not all providers offer the same rates, so it’s easy to find yourself in an energy contract with hidden fees or overage charges.
One of the easiest ways to reduce your utility bill is by making small changes around your home. One example is turning off lights throughout the house when you go into another room. This may seem like a small change, but these lights can actually add up! Instead of leaving them on constantly, try using natural lighting as much as possible and smart technology in rooms that use artificial light (like motion-sensors porch lights).
2. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Cut your carbon footprint by using less energy and more environmentally-friendly resources such as solar power. According to the EPA, the average American produces about 20 metric tons of carbon dioxide every year. By spending a few dollars on switching to greener methods of heating and cooling your home or powering your appliances, you can make a big impact in reducing your output of greenhouse gasses.
3. Repair Instead of Replace
Make sure any devices you do buy are repairable and adjustable for longer use! There is no reason that companies need to sell us things with planned obsolescence built into them – we should not be forced to continue buying what we want because it will break down soon anyway (and always be out of style).
4. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Reduce your need to buy new things by using reusable items instead of disposable ones. Buy a water bottle and travel mug, so you can use them for your morning coffee and commute to work every day! Or, bring a reusable grocery bag when you go shopping so that you don’t need kraft paper bags or plastic bags. When buying clothes, choose organic materials that will last rather than synthetic fibers that wear out quickly (and keep getting caught in the dryer). Be sure to recycle anything you do end up throwing away (check with your city government about recycling rules). If we all make an effort to reduce how much we buy and throw away, we’ll be doing our part in saving the environment.
5. Use Less Water
Too much water is harmful to the environment and your wallet! A new way to help you save on your utility bill and protect our planet is by reducing how often and how long you shower or bath. Even short, cold showers will get the job done, and they’ll also give you a little energy boost in the morning.
When using water around the home, try turning off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving so that you aren’t wasting such precious resources (and not saving that extra time for yourself). You can even install faucet aerators that limit how much water comes out while still allowing consistent flow, these are inexpensive and easy to install at any hardware store! Be sure to check for toilet leaks by dropping a few food coloring dots into the tank, and then wait 15 minutes without flushing the bathroom. If you see any color in the bowl, your toilet needs to be repaired!
6. Plant a Tree
This one is easy – if you have some extra space in your yard or garden, consider planting a tree! Whether it’s a fruit-bearing variety or simply an ornamental plant that will look great in your yard, trees are not only good for the environment but also help lower energy bills because they reduce how much heat from sunlight is absorbed by homes through their leaves and branches. There are even organizations across the country that allow you to adopt a tree for planting at no cost to renters with limited yard space.
There are many benefits to living a green lifestyle. Not only will you feel great knowing that you’re doing your part in protecting the environment, but you’ll also be able to save money and spend less time maintaining your home.