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Earth Day falls on April 22nd, but everyone can support environmental protection all year round. Together individuals, communities, and states can work together to impact the planet in a positive way even by making a few small changes in daily habits. Plus many of these earth-friendly tips will also end up saving money to boot.
1. BUY RECYCLED PRODUCTS
A smart consumer should opt for recycled products when shopping. Even better, recycled products often cost less than non-recycled. For example, you could pay a third of the price when purchasing recycled paper compared to non-recycled. Make sure to check the products before you buy to look for the recycled logo (three arrows that form a triangle).
2. USE A CLOTHESLINE
Dryers can use up a lot of energy. A basic vented clothes dryer uses up to 9.23 kWh and can cost as much as $3.05 per cycle. In fact, the Natural Resources Defense Council revealed that Americans spend $9 billion a year on the electricity used to dry their clothes. To save energy, opt for more energy-efficient dryers such as condenser dryers, heat pump dryers, and gas-powered dryers. Using a clothesline or drying rack makes for an even better way to dry clothes saving energy and money at the same time.
3. USE CRUISE CONTROL
Did you know cruise control actually consumes less fuel? In fact, cruise control could improve mileage by at least 15 percent, saving the environment, gas, and money in the process. While driving on flat roads like highways and interstates, turn on cruise control to improve gas mileage and energy efficiency.
4. INVEST IN TRAVEL MUGS AND WATER BOTTLES
Not only do these items maintain temperatures better, they also reduce waste from cardboard and paper coffee mugs or plastic water bottles. Some coffee chains may even allow customers to bring their own mug to fill. With water, instead of buying plastic bottles, purchase a filter and a refillable water bottle.
5. TURN OFF THE LIGHTS
Many of us might not think about turning off the lights when leaving the room. Developing the habit of turning off lights when not in a room saves energy and money. You can also open the blinds and use natural light during the day or light candles in the evening.
6. REDUCE PAPER MAIL
Rather than receiving bills or bank statements in the mailbox, pay bills online and opt for email updates to save paper. Not to mention, the average American receives close forty pounds of junk mail every year. Reduce paper by unsubscribing from junk mail or registering for electronic promotions and updates.
7. USE REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS
When going to the supermarket, bring your own reusable shopping bag. Not only do they hold more weight, but they also reduce waste from disposable plastic and brown paper shopping bags. You can find many stylish, heavy-duty reusable shopping bags on the internet.
8. USE FOOD CONTAINERS
Rather than using disposable sandwich bags, plastic wrap, or aluminum, opt for earth-friendly food containers to save waste. You can store food in glass jars, biodegradable packages, stainless steel food containers, or Tupperware instead.
9. BUY HOUSE PLANTS
House plants not only add to the aesthetics of a home, but also maintain room temperatures by adding moisture to the air and reducing airborne bacteria, fungi, and other unhealthy pollutants. You can buy them for yourself or buy them as gifts instead of purchasing cut flowers that wilt and die.
10. USE CLOTH INSTEAD OF PAPER
Whether using paper towels when cleaning or napkins when eating, we can waste a lot of paper. Avoid this by replacing paper products with cloth. You can use old shirts or socks as cleaning rags. Linen napkins provide an environmentally friendly option for napkins that you can wash and reuse.
