Tuesday, March 15, 2011

the green book, week #11

I picked up this book at the local consignment shop, Treasures & More, for $1.00. 
The Green Book: The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time
I am a passionate recycler, electricity saver, and cheapskate so I will be sharing a few helpful hints from each chapter with my readers that will not only help our environment but rock your inner frugality at the same time!  Check out these top three hints from this chapter below. 

THIS IS YOUR FINAL WEEK!!! NEXT WEEK I WILL LET YOU POST COMMENTS IN ORDER TO WIN THIS FRUGAL AND EARTH FRIENDLY BOOK!
Chapter #11- building

What can you do to help the environment and save money in the building category?  Here are just a few of the helpful hints that the authors have put together for us.

#1 - Install low flow plumbing.  This could save you alone at least $60 a year on water bills and the US would save $6 BILLION in water bills total.  WOW.

#2- Buy Energy Star appliances (only when your old ones break, don't just replace them without the need and create even MORE waste).  You can save up to $600 PER YEAR in energy costs.  Some companies also help you get the government refunds and cash back programs if you do this.  I know my husband's plumbing company assists you in this regard.

#3 -  Try to use your ceiling fans more than your air conditioner.  The costs comparison for these are AMAZING enough to switch your habits without a look back:
Ceiling fans = $.01 per hour
Room air conditioner = $.16 per hour
Central air = $.43 per hour
DUH. Change made.

We personally set our air at 80 degrees while we are at work (with our programmable thermostat) and have the ceiling fan in the living room (which is nearest to the thermostat) on all day.  Our air hardly ever kicks on and the dog doesn't get super uncomfortable with the tidal wave of air blowing on him (I swear our ceiling fan is similar to a tornado!) 

Stay tuned for next week's giveaway and happy money saving folks!

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