Smart Recycling
Save Energy and Save Money!
- Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.
- Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.
- Unplug appliances when you’re not using them. Or, use a “smart” power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts “phantom” or “vampire” energy use.
- Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine wash clothes goes to heating the water.
- Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used up drying your clothes.
Save water to save money!
- Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.
- Install a low-flow showerhead. They are inexpensive, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.
- Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. This little devise will conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.
- Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden.
Less gas = more money (and better health!).
- Walk or bike to work, if possible or car pool. This saves on gas while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.
Skip the bottled water.
- Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates waste. Think about it!
- Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminum rather than plastic, with you when traveling or at work.
Borrow instead of buying.
- Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books. (Buy a Kindle!)
- Share power tools and other appliances. Get to know your neighbors while cutting down on the number of things cluttering your closet or garage.
Buy smart.
- Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.
Keep electronics out of the trash.
Entry filed under: Hospitality. Tags: Businesses Going Green, Composting, garbage, Homes going green, Restaurants Going Green, SLM, Trash.
