Going green does not have to be expensive. Although a perception exists that things labeled “green” often cost more-and this is true of all organic cotton T-shirts and stainless steel water bottles-there are a number of inexpensive steps to go green that you can take. Here are 5 things you can do to go green today that are inexpensive and will actually save you money.
1. Replace your showerheads with lower flow models. The typical showerhead may flow between 2 to 3 gallons of water per minute, but newer low flow versions are now widely available that flow between 1 to 1.5 gallons per minute. Because they mix in more air with the water, creating greater water pressure, these lower flow showerheads give the feeling of a greater water flow. You may hardly notice the difference. But you will notice a difference in your water bill. The average person will see savings of around 2000 gallons of water per year. Since this water is hot water, saving water on showers also saves energy. The cost of low flow showerheads is between $10 to $25, and you will easily save more than that each year. Important: look for the term “WaterSense” on the label.
2. Install new lower flow faucet aerators on all sink faucets. These work similarly to the lower flow showerheads. The typical savings are about 500 gallons of water per year per faucet. The cost? Only about $5 per faucet. This simple step pays for itself in the first year and will save you money every year afterward.
3. Have low flow toilets installed. Putting in a low flow toilet is the most expensive item on the list, but the pay back makes it easily worthwhile. Older model toilets use 3 to 5 gallons of water per flush. Install a newer model that uses only 1.6 gallons per flush. Although the toilet may cost $200 to $400, the annual savings will be about $90, which pays you back completely in 3-4 years. The savings over the lifetime of the toilet will be $2000 to $3000. Ands here is a useful tip: buy a low flow toilet with the widest flush opening possible (I don’t think I need to explain why).
4. Replace every incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent light (CFL). This one is a no-brainer. CFLs now cost no more than older incandescent light bulbs and will pay you back in energy savings within 6 months. Each CFL that you install will save you about $5 to $10 per year in electricity.
5. Put (extra) insulation in your attic. Insulation will prevent heat loss in the winter and help retain cooler air in the summer, saving you meaningful money on your heating and cooling bills. If you lay down the insulation yourself or get a friend to help you, the cost of the insulation will only be about $30, but the savings will be several multiples of that.
There you have it: five easy, inexpensive ways to go green and save money. These are green living tips that almost anyone can take advantage of to save water, energy, and money.
