Welcome to Gaia! :: View User's Journal | Gaia Journals

 
 

View User's Journal

groundhose40claris
If you want to help the environment without breaking the bank, look no further! There are several ways to make your home greener without spending money you don't have. Read this article for some quick and simple tips on how to go green at home, work, or while in the car!



Talk to your electricity provider and see if they offer an alternative that allows your home to use green energy. Several companies are now using wind or solar power for their electricity, and you can take advantage of this! Call your provider today to find out if you can switch to green energy.







Speak with your utility company about receiving your electric power from a renewable source. Many metropolitan areas get some of their power from hydroelectric, geothermal, solar, or wind powered plants. Often, the electric company can simply apply a certain amount of your electric bill to renewable energy without you needing to make any other changes.






<img src="http://www.energymatters.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/rec-solar-market.png" />

If you are planning on switching to green energy, it can seem too discouraging to jump in and do it all at once. While an entire home and land can be overwhelming, try narrowing your efforts to one room at a time. A good first step is a bedroom, where you can use solar power for just a reading lamp and a radio or alarm clock. Then work up from there!



If you use a dishwasher to clean your dishes, do not run it until it is completely full. Your dishwasher consumes the same energy and water, even if it is half full. Using the air-dry setting will save energy when you run the dishwasher.





You should never use a small amount of warm water all at once. Doing this will just gradually increase your overall energy usage. Instead, try using all the warm water you plan on using immediately. For example, you should try having all your family members take a quick shower at once.



Save energy, and your hard-earned dollars, by only using your washing machine and dishwasher when you have a full load. A small load uses just as much energy as a full load and accomplishes a lot less for the energy expenditure. Let laundry stack up another day or two in order to maximize savings and efficiency. Also consider drying clothes outdoors on a clothesline if allowed in your area. The fresh outdoorsy scent can't be beat, and you will show a significant savings in your utility bill if you cut back on your dryer usage.



Buy a box of Ziplock quart size baggies and use these to make your own snacks. Whether you enjoy a bit of trail mix, Chex Mix, or a tasty muffin, you can use this bag and wash it when you get home to use the next day. Keep your snacks green by washing and reusing these baggies for your snacks until they are too worn.



Replace regular light bulb with Energy Star qualified bulbs. These bulbs last about ten times as long as a traditional incandescent bulb, and use approximately 75 percent less energy, saving you about $30 in energy costs during the lifetime of the bulb. They also emit about 75 percent less heat, and are therefore much safer.



Place a layer of insulation around your hot water heater. You can find a hot water heater insulation kit available from your local home improvement stores. This insulation wraps around the heater keeping heat from dissipating. This, in turn, keeps your water hotter for longer, so you do not waste energy re-heating water over and over.



You can lower the temperature setting on your water heater and save money at the same time by insulating your water pipes. Just insulating the hot water pipes can reduce heat loss and raise your hot water temperature by 2- http://www.iamsport.org/pg/bookmarks/silicahose34harry/read/30389777/want-expertise-regarding-solar-energy-youve-involved-the-right-place . You will save water as well, as it won't take as long for the water to heat up.



Replace led lighting for schools for autistic children washing machine with a high-efficiency model for a greener way to do your laundry. High-efficiency machines come in both top-loading and front-loading designs that use less water than standard machines. They also spin clothes at high speeds to wring more water out of them, helping them dry faster.



Buy Energy Star products. In the typical home, appliance's make up about 20 percent of the electricity use. You can purchase products that contain the Energy Saver seal and start saving money on your electric bill and use less of the world's power sources. In order to carry the Energy Star seal, the appliance has to run efficiently.



If at all possible, consider switching your electric or http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-22/falling-electricity-tariffs-force-solar-users-to-batteries/7957386 to gas. This is both better for the environment and your pockets. Just be aware that this is can be a complicated job that should be taken on by a skilled expert, should you decide to make this switch.



Throw out your normal light bulbs, and use compact fluorescent bulbs instead. Often shortened to compact fluorescent bulbs use an amazing 75% less energy than the traditional incandescent bulbs. Plus, the CFL bulbs last up to ten times as long, meaning you are not only saving a lot of energy but a lot of money too!



Even just one person striving to use green energy can make a big difference. When companies see more consumers using green energy, they'll work to meet their customer's needs. Take advantage of what you've learned in this article and seek out more environmentally friendly forms of energy. It's never too late to go green.





 
 
Manage Your Items
Other Stuff
Get GCash
Offers
Get Items
More Items
Where Everyone Hangs Out
Other Community Areas
Virtual Spaces
Fun Stuff
Gaia's Games
Mini-Games
Play with GCash
Play with Platinum