We all want to save the planet, but we are all so busy! Here are five easy steps you can do that each take less than five minutes of your time, cost little, yet will have a powerful impact on the environment.
*Bring your own Reusable Bag.
The average family uses 1000 plastic bags each year.
The US uses 100 billion plastic bags.
They clog our landfills, and litter our land and seas.
The bags hurt and kill millions of animals each year when they mistake them for food or become entangled.
Since they never fully decompose, unless they are recycled, they never go away.
Since recycling costs more than new bags, it is unlikely that we will ever improve much over the 2% we now recycle.
Plus, plastic bags take oil to make, and surely we have better use of that oil.
The reusable bags that fold into a pocket are your best bet to make sure you do not forget your bags.
Buy a few and keep them in your purse.
Good ones can be found for about five dollars.
Cost: Under $5.
00.
Impact: Prevent the waste of tens of thousands of plastic bags over your lifetime.
*Switch to some compact fluorescent bulbs.
These bulbs can be a bit pricey up front, however each can save you about $30 in electricity costs.
If you cannot afford to do all your bulbs at once, be smart.
Switch out the three bulbs you use most often.
You will see an immediate reduction in your electric bill, which can help pay for the other bulbs.
Cost: about $5.
00 per bulb.
Impact: Saves energy plus pays you back.
*Change your heating and air filter.
Some people do not even realize that they have a heating and air filter and that lack of knowledge can cost you dearly.
The cheap blue ones that you can find at all hardware stores and most grocery stores cost about a dollar and can save you tons of money each year.
The fancy, and more expensive zig-zag filters are good for those with allergies, but actually draw more electricity.
These fancy filters not only cost more upfront, but also add to your electric bill, so for most people, the blue ones are fine.
Mark your calendar each month to inspect your filter, and replace it whenever you see more than just a little dust.
Cost: Under $1.
00 Impact: Saves energy plus pays you back.
*Save gas by consolidating trips and driving more efficiently.
This tip will also help you save time.
Sit down each week and plot out what has to be done that week.
Combine your trips to the cleaners, grocers, library, video store, etc.
so you only go out once or twice.
Plan your route so you do not backtrack, and think like UPS and avoid left turns, which take more time and gas due to idling.
Make a loop of your errand stops and save big at the pump.
In addition, maintain proper tire pressure and do not gun it when the stop light changes to save even more gas.
Cost: None Impact: Significant gas and time savings, plus a reduction in your carbon footprint.
*Low tech energy conservation.
In the summer, use your ceiling fans to help your feel cooler, and in the winter reverse the blades to force the warm air back down.
Close western blinds and curtains in the summer during the day to block heat, and make sure these are open during the day in winter months for free heat.
Cost: None Impact: Significant energy savings and reduction in your carbon footprint.
These five easy steps will take your less than thirty minutes and cost about $20 total, yet can save you and the environment significantly.
Make the time today!
*Bring your own Reusable Bag.
The average family uses 1000 plastic bags each year.
The US uses 100 billion plastic bags.
They clog our landfills, and litter our land and seas.
The bags hurt and kill millions of animals each year when they mistake them for food or become entangled.
Since they never fully decompose, unless they are recycled, they never go away.
Since recycling costs more than new bags, it is unlikely that we will ever improve much over the 2% we now recycle.
Plus, plastic bags take oil to make, and surely we have better use of that oil.
The reusable bags that fold into a pocket are your best bet to make sure you do not forget your bags.
Buy a few and keep them in your purse.
Good ones can be found for about five dollars.
Cost: Under $5.
00.
Impact: Prevent the waste of tens of thousands of plastic bags over your lifetime.
*Switch to some compact fluorescent bulbs.
These bulbs can be a bit pricey up front, however each can save you about $30 in electricity costs.
If you cannot afford to do all your bulbs at once, be smart.
Switch out the three bulbs you use most often.
You will see an immediate reduction in your electric bill, which can help pay for the other bulbs.
Cost: about $5.
00 per bulb.
Impact: Saves energy plus pays you back.
*Change your heating and air filter.
Some people do not even realize that they have a heating and air filter and that lack of knowledge can cost you dearly.
The cheap blue ones that you can find at all hardware stores and most grocery stores cost about a dollar and can save you tons of money each year.
The fancy, and more expensive zig-zag filters are good for those with allergies, but actually draw more electricity.
These fancy filters not only cost more upfront, but also add to your electric bill, so for most people, the blue ones are fine.
Mark your calendar each month to inspect your filter, and replace it whenever you see more than just a little dust.
Cost: Under $1.
00 Impact: Saves energy plus pays you back.
*Save gas by consolidating trips and driving more efficiently.
This tip will also help you save time.
Sit down each week and plot out what has to be done that week.
Combine your trips to the cleaners, grocers, library, video store, etc.
so you only go out once or twice.
Plan your route so you do not backtrack, and think like UPS and avoid left turns, which take more time and gas due to idling.
Make a loop of your errand stops and save big at the pump.
In addition, maintain proper tire pressure and do not gun it when the stop light changes to save even more gas.
Cost: None Impact: Significant gas and time savings, plus a reduction in your carbon footprint.
*Low tech energy conservation.
In the summer, use your ceiling fans to help your feel cooler, and in the winter reverse the blades to force the warm air back down.
Close western blinds and curtains in the summer during the day to block heat, and make sure these are open during the day in winter months for free heat.
Cost: None Impact: Significant energy savings and reduction in your carbon footprint.
These five easy steps will take your less than thirty minutes and cost about $20 total, yet can save you and the environment significantly.
Make the time today!
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