If your parents have been stressing out over money recently and you feel a bit anxious because of the state of the world's environment, we've got great news for you. While you go green and help alleviate global warming and other things that are harmful to the environment, your family can save money at the same time! The numbers are in and it turns out tons of cash can be saved simply by adopting these tried and true eco-conscious habits.
No. 1: Flip A Switch
Take the extra bit of time to power down and unplug when you're finished using electronics. When you're done checking out Kidzworld.com shut down your computer - the whole thing including printer, disk drive and central processing unit. This will save you $90 a year in energy use. Make a habit out of unplugging at rest cell phone chargers, ipod mounts, electronics on standby and anything else that drains electricity and money.
No. 2: Sweater It Out
Turn down the thermostat and put on a sweater. A one-degree thermostat reduction can save 3% on your heating bill. We don’t know about you, but we'd rather wear a cute sweater and spend our money on other things beside heat!
No. 3: Be An Energy Star
If you or the adults in your family have a terrible memory, or just can't be bothered to unplug and power down, at least replace old and inefficient electronics - even if still working - with Energy Star-certified alternatives. Kenmore, Frigidaire, GE, Maytag, and appliances parts are now more efficient that ever, and the appliances being manufactured from these brands can save you a fortune on your utility bills. Energy Star is a program that finds and labels (with a blue and white badge) the most energy-efficient products out there. A single-family house revamped with Energy Star products will decrease energy use by 30% and save $600 a year.
No. 4: Light It Up
The Compact Flourescent Lightbulb (CFL) - ya know, the swirly-doodley one - is the greatest invention since . . . well . . . the original light bulb. An eco win-win, CFLs not only consume up to 75% less energy than their incandescent siblings, but also last 10 times longer, while saving hundreds on your electricity bill.
No. 5: Buy Less Stuff
More stuff will only waste your money and the world's depleting resources. Reckless spending tends to leave us broke, guilty and looking for storage space. When you do have to make a purchase, seek only the best quality, highest efficiency product available. If you're not afraid of cooties, consider the Salvation Army - far cheaper and more eco than any behemoth retailer.
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