Light Green
Easy and Inexpensive Solutions
by Marc Hopkins

So you want to put your claim in on the green movement, but let’s face it, if it involves real work or a significant investment, it just ain’t gonna happen. So for everyone out there looking to be a little more environmentally friendly but you don’t want to do the work, this is for you! In fact, these tips are not only easy and inexpensive, they will actually make your life easier and save you money! So here you go…

Get off junk mail lists
Every letter, ad, or other useless piece of junk mail clutters your mail box, adds weight to the recycle bin (you are using that – right?), and makes your life more difficult. So go to www.the-dma.org and sign up. It takes you just a few minutes and if you mail it in your request is free. You will save the environment by cutting down the wasted paper while making those mail trips a little better.

Check your fridge and freezer temperatures
Odds are good you can nudge them up a notch or two. Your food will stay cold, and you will be conserving electricity every day while doing nothing at all. Plus you could save a few dollars a month on your electric bills.
While you’re checking temperatures, perhaps you can turn your water heater down a notch. You do not need scalding hot water, or even super hot water. Moving the temperature down by a centimeter or two you will still have plenty of hot water while reducing your energy usage. Lower usage means lower bills, and
it took less than 30 steps and three minutes.

Buy a few plants
If you get the right kind they require very little water or sunlight. These plants will naturally filter and cleanse the air inside the house, reducing pollutants so spread them around the house. They will look good and they say people with plants are happier!

Pay your bills online
You can even get your statements online from several companies now. It is easy, fast, and convenient. You will save money on stamps plus you do not have to taste that nasty glue on the envelopes. In addition you have dramatically reduced the amount of wasted paper and envelopes sent out each month. Who would have thunk it?

Get a programmable thermometer
Ok, so this one is a little difficult, but if you do not have a one you should get one. If you have one, use it! Why pay to heat or cool a house that is empty? Plus if the temperature is kept consistent, it requires less energy overall compared to dramatic temperature changes (such as coming home to a hot house and cranking up the air conditioning).
Next time you buy light bulbs get those funky florescent or LED ones. They may cost a few more dollars now, but they will last a lot longer and will use up to 90% less energy than your existing bulbs. You were shopping for bulbs anyway, so make a small investment that will pay off.
So you are now more environmentally sound and you are saving money. You are likely also saving a little time. And these are just a few ideas, there are many more just like these. So get to it right now and tomorrow you can go into work feeling self-righteous and bragging about how you are doing your part.