Save Money Save The Planet

Global warming and climate change are hot topics in current times receiving daily media coverage and the engagement of heads of government. Not a day goes by without a story of a looming crisis, a summit or a protest debating or proclaiming the effects of man made global warming. Nor does a day go past without the finger of blame being pointed at government or corporation.

But who is the great contributor to all this man made C02 allegedly destroying our environment? Why, it's me! Yep, I confess. For years my life has revolved around consumption.

Everyday I am consuming and creating. Everyday I wake up and step on to my heated floor, walk into my heated bathroom, put a towel on the heated towel rack and proceed to waste gallons of precious water in the bathroom. Once I'm done with making use of almost every electrical appliance in the house including cookers, heaters, lights and televisions I then jump in my SUV, on my own, and join the thousands crawling the highways on their way to work.

You can imagine the daily cycle going on from there. And at the end of the day I come home and watch the news to see a story about something melting or something flooding and I think - Damn governments, they've ignored this whole global warming argument!





But then I think, actually it's me. I'm the one who wants to be warm when i'm cold and cool when it's hot, I want an appliance for every ill. I want a big car that resonates my importance and a variety of gadgetry and devices to inform and entertain me. Although, I wont accept costly running expenses. Yep, I want to consume without cost.

The realization hits that how much is this consumption costing. I am the one powering the factories and refineries that produce to fill my desires, sucking down the juices of a planets resources and returning a fowl breath of toxic waste in the meantime draining my wallet of hard earned reward.

The solution starts with something simple. A change in thinking that benefits the future of my surrounds and my future welfare. Save Money Save the Planet. Consumption isn't the problem more how, why and what I consume.

So, stepping forward how do I change and work on my mantra of Save Money Save the Planet?

• Buy Recycled. The benefits are often twofold that it's cheaper and less resources were used in it's construction. Also consider used purchases, why buy new when used will do. Re use and pocket the cash.

• Do I really need to use a dishwasher or am I just pathetically lazy. Eliminating the use of dishwashers or reducing will reap savings on both the water and power bill.

• Change all those incandescents over to fluorescents, initial cost but long term benefits.

• Turn off appliances at the wall when not in use, most appliances draw power on standby. How efficient are my appliances? Check out Energy Star.gov

• Air dry clothes - Do I really need to load up that dryer or am I just lazy?

• Use a Warm/Cold cycle on the clothes washer can produce savings over Hot/Warm cycles or just use cold altogether. Wash only on full loads.

• Turn those thermostats down a notch. How hot do you need water to be, turning the thermostat down to the minimum can reduce load on the heating unit and save on the power bill. Same goes for air conditioners and heaters.

• Fix leaks around the home, including water leaks and eliminate drafts from around windows and doors that place extra load on heating and cooling systems.

• Do I really need floor heating? Probably not, a cosy pair of slippers are fairly cheap.

• Spend a little less time in the shower and install a water saving showerhead.

• Plant a tree - if you have the capability planting a tree in the right position to provide shade it can help decrease the need for air conditioning. See University of Vermont for an article on energy saving landscaping.

• Instead of powered air purifiers and deodorizers use some indoor plants. Check out House Plants Help Clean Indoor Air from the University of Minnesota.

• Many state and federal governments provide rebates and incentives for energy conservation. Ranging from installing solar to water conservation. Check out the relative authority website for any inducements that may apply or work for you.

• Where is your electricity coming from? Many electricity providers offer Green Power or energy that is sourced from renewable sources including wind, bio-mass and solar. Is your electricity on the best rate? Are there any incentives for home solar installations? Check with your local suppliers.

• Do I need that SUV or is there a more efficient choice? Check out Fuel Economy.gov to review vehicle efficiencies and for fuel saving tips. Also check out Clean MPG.com for an article on fuel saving tips and hypermiling.

• Do I need to use the car at all? Push bikes are still a healthy and effective mode of transport. Also don't forget, your legs are made for walking!

• Do I really need to fly to the other side of the world for a holiday? Plane travel is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Consider local options at a much cheaper price.

It certainly doesn't stop there, It's a way of thinking. My new way - Save Money Save the Planet.

Originally submitted by: Jack Sampson