Eco-friendly Fall Tips

Part of the Green and Frugal Series

With the weather turning cooler (colder in some climates), it’s time to brush up on eco-friendly tips that can help to save energy, money, and be friendlier for the planet.  With home heating the largest utility bill many homes have to cope with, practicing energy conservation skills to reduce heating bills can lead to big changes in energy use and utility bills.  In addition, with holidays coming up in a couple of months, it’s time to start thinking about how to have eco-friendly celebrations and get togethers.  Here some possibilities:

–Upgrade and maintain old appliances — the newer furnaces, heaters, and appliances are more energy saving.  In many cases, upgrading may qualify you for discounts from your utility company or reductions on your tax bill.  The Energy Star rating helps to identify these appliances. Have filters cleaned and maintained well.

–Look to incorporate more natural cleaners — now that the windows are likely closed and sun-dried clothes may not be an option, natural cleaners that don’t give off toxic fumes are even more important.

–Be sure the house is weatherized — look for drafts, leaks, areas that should be insulated.  Most houses can save at least 5% of energy use by properly weatherizing.

–Look to recycle old gadgets- with landfill clogging up with used cell phones, computers, and printers; it’s good to remind everyone that a vibrant recycling market has emerged for these used items. If you are giving new gadgets as a gift, enclose a note with options for recycling the old. If you prefer to donate, there are many programs (including Goodwill) that accept used office equipment and used cellphones.

–Add a special vegetable dish to holiday meals — eating locally lowers your carbon footprint. But, eating vegetarian lowers it even more.  Be adventurous and try out delicious new cuisines that have wonderful vegetarian options such as Korean and Middle Eastern and add one or two more veggie side dishes during holiday meals.

shared at Works for Me Wednesday