Try switching to CFLs. The compact fluorescent bulbs tend to use about 75 percent less energy than the traditional incandescent bulbs do, plus they last around 10 times longer. They are pricier than the traditional bulbs, but it takes only a few months to make up for it in energy savings.
Start small. Even if you don't have the resources for a large-scale green energy project, there are still steps you can take. For example, solar chargers for small electronics generally only require the device to be set near a window for a few hours. Don't underestimate the power of a small step.
If you are building a home, consider the placement of your windows carefully. If you place windows in the right areas of a home, they can act as a passive solar energy collector. This means that your windows can help you keep your home cooler in the summer, and warmer in the window. You will reduce your electric bill and your dependence on traditional energy sources.
To make your home more energy efficient on a tight budget, write up a green improvement plan. Knowing what you want to upgrade or change will give you a check-list and help you to break your efforts down into more attainable short-term goals. Every week, check the flyers for home improvement stores to see if any of the necessary supplies are going on sale.
For your daily commute, find a group with whom to carpool. Getting those extra cars off the road will save on gas and pollution. As well, carpooling is very economical for you! Just taking one day a week from your traditional driving can mean up to a full tank of gas saved each month, depending on the length of your commute.
Use less energy for cooking your meals by baking several items together. You can bake cakes, bread and pies once each week and avoid heating your oven very often. Making larger batches of food on top of the stove also helps. You can make large pots of soups and stews, and freeze some for microwaving later.
A way to use the energy you already have in a green way is not to idle your car excessively. If you are going to have your car parked for more than 30 seconds, then turn off the engine and conserve your energy in the tank. So when waiting for the kids at school, turn off your engine and conserve.
One of the cheapest and easiest ways to make your home more energy efficient is by replacing all of your standard light bulbs with green versions. Not only do such bulbs reduce your energy bill through lower wattage and higher efficiency, but these bulbs are also made to last longer, giving you a two-fold return for your investment.
If specific areas of your home feel cold or drafty, then chances are they are not properly sealed or insulated. These deficiencies can greatly increase the cost of heating or cooling your home and are often an easy fix. Seal any holes you identify and get a price estimate for adding insulation to thin walls.
Use solar water heaters as a great alternative to heating water with electricity. They use the sun's energy to heat water for use in your home or business. The ideal location for a solar water heating system is a south-facing roof that is not shaded. Current technologies allow the system to blend in with your roof so as not to detract from your home.
While it will take some time, effort and dedication to put what you've learned here into effect in your home, the rewards will be worth every second. Lowered bills, less reliance on the grid and a warm, fuzzy feeling in your heart are just some of the benefits you'll enjoy, so get started today!
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