Talking About Green

The Internet is packed with tips on how to go green, but picking the right actions and making the right investments can be like playing poker online when the monetary risks are factored in. Many are useful, but most are hard to commit to. Let’s be honest starting a neighborhood garden or buying an electric car are awesome eco-friendly ideas, but typically outside the capability of most folks. Instead of devoting your time and effort to one or two environmentally-conscious actions that are more powerful statements than actual power savers, here are five ways to significantly reduce home energy use and invest in future renewable energy resources that don’t require a lot of investment, effort, or expertise.

1. Make CFL Switch

This needs to be at the top of every go green list on the Internet. Compact fluorescent lamps cost more than the traditional incandescent lamp light bulb, but the energy savings equate to nearly $40 per bulb over the course of its lifetime. Money aside, switching every light fixture in the house to CFLs is a guaranteed way to get more out of energy without taking more of it. When money is tight and the bathroom lights out it is tempting to forgo the CFL for the regular bulb that’s dollars cheaper, but stop and think about the future and you’ll see the CFL is the brighter idea.

2. Beware the Cell Phone Charger and Other Secret Suckers of Energy

Cell phone chargers plugged directly into the wall are notorious energy wasters. That’s why, if you haven’t noticed, charger makers have been mandated to manufacture their products with universal USB port capability. Whether charging a phone or not, chargers continue to pull energy from the outlet at alarmingly high rates, especially when they’re left plugged in constantly, which is the norm. This applies to all charging connectors and plug-ins. One of the easiest ways to cut down on electricity use is simply by going through the house commando style and taking chargers out one at a time. Tell your loved ones to exercise responsibility and only plug their chargers in when actually charging their phones.

3. Look into “Green” Options Offered by the Electric Company

Nearly half of all Americans now have the option to promote sustainable energy investment through their utility company in the form of green options. You basically pay an extra few dollars a month for the guarantee that you’re helping drive future energy investments. Check with your utility company to see if such an option is available for you. You could be supporting 100% wind generated power by just paying a little extra every month on your electric bill.

4. Return of the Local Produce

You might not have the time in your schedule to start one, but why not support one? Farmers markets are making a big comeback across the country, and getting your fresh produce locally is a great way to contribute to less resources being used to get food from one place to another. Plus I don’t know about you but locally grown ingredients always taste better, even if it’s just psychological.

5. Watch the Water You Use

The water bill can either be your biggest worry or your least concern, depending where you live. But regardless, water shortages are becoming an increasing problem globally. We might not feel it yet in the U.S., but it’ll get here eventually. Check for leaks and be considerate about the amount of water you use for baths, laundry, and cleaning. Consider it good H20 karma put toward the uncertain future of the world’s diminishing supply of fresh water.

All of these steps make big contributions to your energy economy as well as the Earth’s energy conservation. None require more than a few minutes effort or a few extra dollars a month. Follow these cost-saving measures and who knows; maybe an electric car won’t be such an expensive proposition after all.