Tips to help you SAVE
Change your light bulbs
If you switch out your most frequently used light bulbs for Energy Star-certified Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (you can find a 4-pack of 60 watts for $29.99 at your local hard-ware store), you’ll use at least 75 percent less energy and save about $180-300 a year on your electric bill, or up to $135 per bulb over its lifespan.
Bottled Water
According to a 2012 report If you drink a water bottle a day that means you are responsible for 365 bottles every year. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, “87% of those water bottles are clogging up landfills”(1). Instead you can buy a reusable water bottle (you can find reusable water bottles at your nearest retail store from $5.99- to $25.99) which are leak-proof and come in all sizes, colors, and best of all you can save $100 a year! from the Beverage Marketing Corporation, “Every American drinks an average of 30.8 gallons of bottled water each year”(3).
$ RECYCLE $
If you are going to enjoy a bottled drink make sure to take a closer look at the label. If you see a symbol that says CA CASH REFUND or CA CRV, it means that the container qualifies to be recycled for cash.
5¢ for most glass bottles, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans less than 24 ounces.
10¢ for equal to 24 ounces and larger.
There are thousands of recycling centers all over the state, many are conveniently located near the places you live and work.
Energy Star Appliances
ENERGY STAR is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary program that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency.
http://www.energystar.gov
- By replacing a 1980 out-of-date refrigerator with one that meets today's standards will save you more than $100 a year in utility costs. If buy an Energy Star-qualified model, your new refrigerator will save you an additional 15% or more.
- Replacing an old washer with an Energy Star model can save a household $110 a year on utility bills. Energy Star washers use 50 percent less energy than other standard models, and only 18 to 25 gallons of water for a full-sized load, compared to 40 gallons for standard full-size washers.
- Energy Star dishwashers are 25 percent more efficient than the minimum federal standards. Replacing a 1994 or older dishwasher with an Energy Star model can save $25 a year on utility costs.
- A high-efficiency room air conditioning room unit reduces energy consumption by 20 to 50 percent. Replacing a 10-year-old model with an Energy Star model can cut energy bills by an average of $14 a year.
According to energystar.com, "The state of California offers rewards for buying energy-efficient appliances. California has a rebate program that will refund part of the purchase price of certain new energy-efficient appliances. Check with your local utility and the Energy Star Rebate Locator to find out if cash rebates or other incentives are available in your area" (2).
Drought Tolerant Gardens? With the current drought that California has been facing over the years, drought tolerant gardens are becoming more and more popular not only because they are water efficient but they can also cut your water bill up to half. A drought tolerant garden/yard consist of decomposed granite and drought resistant native plants. Doing such renovations to your gardens can cost you some cash, but in the end it will pay off. The good news are, if you live in Southern California you can get in contact with the Turf Terminators and get your garden transformed for FREE! Click here to visit their web page! According to Turf Terminators, “Turf Terminators will replace your lawn with a California Friendly landscape that conserves water and reduces your annual water and lawn maintenance costs. Turf Terminators will perform 100% of the work necessary to replace your lawn with a California Friendly landscape, all for free”(1). | |
Resources:
"About ENERGY STAR." About ENERGY STAR. Web. 8 May 2015. <http://www.energystar.gov/about>.
"11 Easy Ways to Go Green and Save Cash - US News." US News RSS. 31 Mar. 2014. Web. 8 May 2015. <http://money.usnews.com/money/the-frugal-shopper/2014/03/28/11-easy-ways-to-go-green-and-save-cash>.
"Tips for Living Cost-Effectively and Sustainably." EnviroBusinessInsight. Web. 8 May 2015. <http://blog.ebiconsulting.com/insight/2011/12/tips-for-living-cost-effectively-and-sustainably.html>.
"Turf Terminators." Turf Terminators. Web. 11 May 2015. <http://turfterminators.com/>.
"About ENERGY STAR." About ENERGY STAR. Web. 8 May 2015. <http://www.energystar.gov/about>.
"11 Easy Ways to Go Green and Save Cash - US News." US News RSS. 31 Mar. 2014. Web. 8 May 2015. <http://money.usnews.com/money/the-frugal-shopper/2014/03/28/11-easy-ways-to-go-green-and-save-cash>.
"Tips for Living Cost-Effectively and Sustainably." EnviroBusinessInsight. Web. 8 May 2015. <http://blog.ebiconsulting.com/insight/2011/12/tips-for-living-cost-effectively-and-sustainably.html>.
"Turf Terminators." Turf Terminators. Web. 11 May 2015. <http://turfterminators.com/>.