Simple Tips for Going Green this Earth Day

I first wrote about Earth Day and going green back in 2007, and have talked about it ever since over a variety of posts on this blog. Earth Day 2013 is next Monday and there are so many ways to go green.

Did you know by going green you are also being money smart? By making simple changes you often save money by being environmentally friendly.

So how can you make simple changes at home that make you green and save you money?

In the Furnace Room

• Wrap your water heater with an insulation blanket
• Lower the temperature on your water heater
• Make sure furnace filters in forced-air systems are clean. I just changed mine.
• Insulate the water pipes.

In the Kitchen

• Eat your leftovers.
• Cook meatless at least once a week. We aim for twice or more.
• Use cloth instead of paper towels to clean. We actually do have a rag bag made from old clothes and towels.
• Use a full dishwasher instead of washing dishes if you have an Energy Star dishwasher.
• Use the microwave or slow cooker when you can, it is more energy efficient then the stove.
• Use green cleaning methods. Vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, Borax, and regular dish soap are all you really need for the majority of your household cleaning. Don’t want to mix it yourself? There are plenty of green alternatives.

In the Bathroom

• Replace any old toilets with a low flow toilet
• Turn off the tap when you are brushing your teeth or shaving.
• Take short showers and skip the bath.
• Use a Diva Cup dear women if you have a cycle, great for the environment and .

In the Bedroom

• Throw on an extra blanket instead of turning up the heat.
• Donate any clothes to a local thrift store, or sell them at a consignment shop.
• Do what our grandmothers did and mend clothing instead of tossing.
• Keep the thermostat at 67 degrees in the winter and use those slippers and a sweater.

All Over the House

• Use a welcome mat and wipe off your shoes if you wear shoes indoors.
• Switch all your lightbulbs to CFL’s
• Turn off the lights when you leave a room
• Unplug and turn off things when not in use, even your computer.

Outside

• Have a compost bin.
• Stop using disposable bags. Have cloth grocery bags.
• Recycle everything possible. Glass, metal, plastic, paper, cardboard (don’t forget junk mail!) and more. And participate in special item recycling days, such as for paints or electronics.
• Whenever practical, walk or ride your bike. For trips less than 3km, it actually takes less time to bike it.
• Work from home when you can.

These are just some tips, there are many many more, what are some of the ways you are saving at your house? Join me and the #cdnmoney community as we talk about this very topic tonight March 17th at 7 pm EST.

Now for Earth Day my family is planting trees, are you planning in participating in any group activity for Earth Day? There are many going on through out Canada check out the link to know what is going on in your neighbourhood.