If you are anything like me, you’re passionate about saving our planet.
Plenty of scientists and individuals spend their lives searching for unique ways to save our environment, and some might work. Even if you don’t have time to solve the world’s pollution or water crisis, you can still make a difference in your community. Every little bit counts.
Here are a few unique ways you can help the environment around you:
Six Easy Tips To Save Our Planet and Money
I believe that frugal living and saving the environment go hand-in-hand. Reducing consumption, less reliance on electronics and gas, and living more simply are all hallmarks of both living frugally and being mindful of our planet. Saving the earth does not need to cost money- in fact, there are so many ways that reducing our carbon footprint will save us money.
That is the definition of a win-win scenario!
Replace Your Clothes Dryer With a Heat-Pump Clothes Dryer
A heat pump dryer uses less electricity (about 40%- 50% less) and doesn’t vent your conditioned air to the outside. Heat pump dryers may be slightly costlier upfront, but you will save money on each load you do. You could save anywhere from 20 to 38 cents a load. In turn, you are helping the environment as you are using less electricity.
Keep in mind that it may be a little bit louder than your typical dryer so you may want to be cautious of when you choose to do loads.
Limit Your Heating and Air Conditioning
When you are in the middle of winter or the heat of summer, then you should be grateful that you can heat and cool your home. Not everyone is so lucky. However, when the weather is a little milder and it is only slightly uncomfortable, then you should look for ways to limit the heating and air conditioning in your home.
You can wear sweaters and double layers or wear light clothes and drink water. You can make sure your home is well-insulated and keep windows and doors open to catch the breeze (not at the same time!). Getting used to slightly uncomfortable temperatures may take time, but it will certainly get easier as you do it!
Do a Home Energy Audit
The best way to do a home energy audit is to hire a professional. However, if you would like to save a little bit of money you can do it yourself. You will need to check your ventilation, check for air leaks, check insulation, and more. It may take some time, but it can save you money over time.
Make sure to act on the information that your audit provides- isolate your attic, seal gaps in windows, and make sure all systems are running as they should.
Build Your Solar Panels
Are you a do-it-yourselfer? Build it Solar offers ideas and tutorials on how to execute energy conservation projects. Everything from solar panels to bubble wrapping your windows can lower your energy costs and help the environment.
If installing solar is not an option, there are several great options to invest in solar and renewable energy.
Unplug All of Your Appliances
Did you know that your appliances and electronics pull energy even when not in use? This is wasting your money.
Many electronic devices, such as TVs, DVD players, and video game systems, all use small amounts of power even when turned off. Unplug small kitchen appliances such as your microwave or coffee machine, and plug your electronics into a power bar for an easy off-switch. The power bar will also act as a surge protector and may protect your belongings from damage should there be a power spike.
Disconnecting your appliances and electronics will also reduce the chance of electrical fires. When electronics age, some wiring can become faulty and spark. You don’t want to take the risk.
Note: Leaving your computer on sleep mode or standby still uses your electricity.
Walk or Bike
Cars use a lot of energy and can cost a lot of money! Try to reduce your dependency on your vehicle as much as you can. Walk wherever you can, ride a bike or a scooter to rollerblade (or any other wheeling conveyance!) as much as you can, and use public transportation as much as you can.
Even if you still use your car a lot, each time you don’t use your car then you will not only be saving a lot of money (gas and wear and tear can add up very quickly!) but you will be helping the environment as well!
There are countless ways to save money while saving the environment. Get creative and take action to do your part!
