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How To Laugh At Rising Energy Prices, While Saving The Environment
Joe Luna
It's no secret, we all want to save money and do our part to help the
environment. It's the right thing to do. However, knowing where to
start can be the most difficult part. That's why I've included in this
article some simple-yet-powerful steps you can take every day to make
big changes over time.
With each of these great ideas there is an initial investment of time, effort, or money, but over time they compound and can make a very significant difference in your carbon footprint, feeling better about helping the environment and yes, even your budget.
So let's get going. #5 is...
#5 Reduce The amount Of Heat Entering Through Your Windows
Installing double pane windows is ideal, but also very effective are sunshades, sunscreens or plants in front of windows that face the sun during the hottest part of the day.
#4 Reduce Your Water Usage
Install low-flow shower heads and water-saving toilets, limit shower times, turn off the water when brushing your teeth, and only water your grass very early in the morning or after sundown.
#3 Laundry Time!
Avoid using the hottest water settings if possible and line dry your clothes if you can. Washers and dryers are second in energy consumption only to your AC, but they also consume water, gas, and cleansers.
#2 Take An "Active" Role In Reducing Your Energy Consumption Daily
A great place to start is with your home computer. Turn it off when not in use or at least set it to a lower power setting (Computers left running consume electricity and generate heat that your AC must cool off.), turn your thermostat up a degree or two and use ceiling fans whenever possible. Periodically check for lights left on - inside and out - as well as fans running in empty rooms. Also, close AC vents and doors to rooms not being used.
And the #1 way you can laugh at energy prices and save the environment is...
#1 Generate Your Own Renewable Energy
Yes, you really can! And, it's alot easier than you think.
Consider this. There are actually 2 quick and easy ways to generate renewable energy yourself; solar and wind. You see, if you do a quick search online for do-it-yourself home solar panels and wind turbines, you'll find that either can be built for as little as $100-$200. Pretty much everything you need can be found at your local hardware store and Radio Shack. These investments will pay for themselves in only a matter of months.
And here's the best part. When you generate more energy than you consume, your electric company will happily send you a check instead of a bill! How neat is that? This process is called "net metering". It's perfectly legal and electric companies love it because it reduces the amount of energy they have to generate.
You can watch a fantastic video on how one family is using net metering by visiting http://Squidoo.com/Home-Made-Energy-Review
So there you have it; going green at home and saving the environment - a real win-win situation.
========
Want to help others save money and become better environmental stewards? Be sure to pass this along to everyone you know. One person can make a small difference - many people can change the world. For your own step-by-step instructions on generating your own renewable energy, reducing your electric bill, and putting net metering to work for you, simply click the link below. Joe Luna is a writer and consultant who provides valuable tips and resources for saving money and greener living. To learn more about net metering and how to start slashing your energy bill, visit http://Squidoo.com/Home-Made-Energy-Review. This article comes with free redistribution and reprint rights which mean you can use it for your ezines, blogs, newsletters, websites, etc. The only requirements are that it cannot be modified all links must remain in place as is.
This news arrived on: 08/31/2008
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Posted Comments:
09-08-2008 04:56
Mitzi Parsons wrote:
Saving on Water
Another idea, that you can do to help use less water is to place a 2 liter bottle in the back of your toilet. When you flush it will fill up with less water thus reducing your water consumption.
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