Saving money and going green are both hot topics right now. So, I'm sure you've already heard the tips to turn off water while brushing your teeth, turn off TVs and computers and swap out old light bulbs for the new energy-saving versions.
Here are 10 new ideas to help you save money and make your Tampa home greener.
- Swap stuff. There are hundreds of
online sites where you can get furniture, books, CDs, DVDs and
even a place to stay for free by swapping stuff with other
people. And, I'm not just talking about Craigslist. Two of
the most popular and easy to use swap sites are Paperbackswap.com
and SwapaDVD.com.
- Recycle your cell phone. According to
the EPA, if the 100 million cell phones no longer being used by
Americans were recycled, enough energy would be saved to power
more than 18,500 homes for a year. Give your cell phone back to
its manufacturer or donate your cell phone to
charity.
- Recycle other electronics. Keep old TVs
out of landfills by taking them to a safe e-cycling facility.
Return iPods to Apple for recycling or sell them for parts. Take
e-waste to stores like Best Buy and Staples that have recycling
programs. You'll save money by not having to pay to dispose
of the electronics.
- Wait until May to buy a new TV. New government standards take effect May 1, 2010. Energy Star-labeled televisions will be at least 40% more efficient than comparable models -- a significant savings.
- Eat foods that are in season. It's healthier, less expensive and better for the environment. Oh, and one more big plus: the food tastes so much better!
- Install a water filter. Bottled water
isn't any healthier than tap water, and all that plastic
waste is terrible for the environment. It's also expensive!
If you use a water filter in your Tampa home, you can get
great-tasting, clean water while reducing your waste and saving
money.
- Turn down your water heater. You
won’t notice the temperature change, but your water heater
won’t work as hard and won’t use as much
energy.
- Plant a vegetable garden. If you
don’t have the space to plant a garden, plant a tree or put
some plants outside. Find vegetables and plants that grow well in
your area for the best results. Ask your local garden center for
that information.
- Use green cleaners. There’s no
reason to use harsh chemicals to clean your home. Use
biodegradable cleaners that are safe for the environment or
make your own green cleaners. Use old towels
and T-shirts instead of disposable wipes and paper towels to cut
down on waste and save you money.
- Check your insulation. Adding insulation to your home will cost money initially, but you'll quickly earn it back plus more by saving long term on your heating and cooling bills. Skeptical? Start out by insulating your attic and keeping track of your energy savings. It averages out to about $116 a year in savings.
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