New Year's Resolutions
Posted on 23 December 2012
We hear the same old New Year's resolutions every year: losing weight , quitting smoking or finally getting fit. And we're consistent... more or less till the end of January. Have you thought of a New Year's resolution that you will be motivated to actually keep for a long time? What about resolving to reduce your home's utility bills and save your money? Paying excessive utility bills is in fact a waste for you and a waste for the environment.
It seems like a waste of money to use more energy than you need to in order to heat your house or water. Also, by using non-renewable resources (natural gas, home heating oil, and electricity provided by nuclear, coal or natural gas powered generating stations) you further deplete the environment.
New Year's Resolution: CHOOSE TO GO GREEN
Here are some simple tips how to save money by reducing your carbon footprint in 2013
Eliminate phantom power
It takes approximately one second to unplug the charger for your cell phone, mp3 player, e-reader, or iPad - but if you really can't be bothered, then let energy-efficient gadgets do the work for you. Use power strips to turn off all your appliances at once; put your television, DVD player, game system, and stereo on a timer so they automatically shut off overnight; and invest in chargers that stop drawing current when the device's battery is full. You could cut your energy bill by as much as 10 percent annually - without lifting a finger.
Replace your light bulbs
Replacing your light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights may be the ultimate change for your carbon footprint. Since CFLs last longer than traditional bulbs, you'll be saving time for years down the road while cutting your energy use by as much as 80 percent. Can't even face the hardware store? Order your bulbs online and have them come straight to your door.
Switch to green power
Switching your home to run on green power sounds like a big job - installing solar panels, geothermal energy, or a tankless hot water heater is not a job for the construction-impaired. But you can also make this happen without getting out of your chair: Call your local GREEN SOLAR and see what they have got on offer.
Green Solar World, located in Cambridge and working throughout the East of England, an MCS approved installer, an EPC registered company, a Renewable Energy Assurance member, a National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers member.