Green practices can save money
Green practices can save money

By Sarah D. Wire

Published: July 22, 2008

People may assume "environmentally friendly” means "expensive,” but some practices can save money as they help save the world.

• Run your dishwater only when it's full.

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This saves money on electricity and also can save water. Shauna Struby said you actually can use less water with a dishwasher than with a sink because it's difficult to be sure exactly how much water is being used in a sink. Plus, she said, "I'd rather go out and work in my garden.”

• Unplug "vampire” electrical devices when not in use.

Most people don't know that many devices plugged into the wall use energy whether they are on or off. The fastest way to unplug multiple devices at once is to connect them to a power strip. The Struby family said it becomes routine. "We turn it off just like a light switch.”

• Clean the coils of your refrigerator.

Coils are usually on the back of the fridge. When they are dirty, they don't function as efficiently, which wastes money. Be sure to unplug the unit before using a wet rag to remove the gunk.

• Place a brick in the water tank of your toilet.

Place a brick inside the tank when the tank empties after flushing. The tank stops filling automatically when it reaches a certain level. The brick displaces some of the water and decreases the amount of water you use with each flush, thus saving water and money.

• Draw the shades in summer.

Closing the curtains in summer, and opening them during the daytime but shutting them at night in winter, can change your home's temperature by several degrees. Keep down heating and cooling costs down by banishing the outdoor temperatures.

Sources: Helen Coronato, Eco-Friendly Families, the Struby family.

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