It happens all the time. Someone sees or reads someting that gets them thinking about the environment or the rising cost of energy and they decide to make their next project a "green" one. What's the first thing they think about if it's a home improvement project? Something sexy like solar panels or wind turbines. Of new windows or air conditioner. That will really make a big change and start saving some real cash, no?
Well, a better way to begin is to look at some simple (and free) things that make just as much of an impact. The
Rocky Mountain Institute has put together a great paper on saving energy around the home and it starts with these five simple steps
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1. Lower water heater temperature to 120°F
2. Increase AC thermostat by 3°F
3. Wash clothes in cold water
4. Air dry clothes during summer
5. Turn off unneeded lights
Another great tool is the Pyramid of Conservation from Minnesota Power. Like the familiar food pyramid, it shows which things give you the most bang for the buck. In the "Sustainability" world it's known as going after the low hanging fruit.
Before you spend thousands saving hundreds try starting at the bottom. It's fruit that you'll enjoy the most.
1 comment:
I always prefer solar panels they are huge source of saving money and electricity, i think sunlight is god gifted and we have to use it for our benefits.
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