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How To Make "Environmentally-Friendly" A Wise Financial Decision

The eco-friendly movement is all around us -- have you seen the Green Earth concert? -- but did you know that "going green" can also be a dollar-saver?

For example, 85% of the energy used by your washing machine is used to heat the water?  Simply changing to cold water washing can be a real money saver -- and yes, it works!

Here are a few other dollar-saving, eco-friendly tips:

• Heating and cooling your home accounts for 45% of your home's energy bill.  Don't heat or cool your home unnecessarily while you're at work, or on vacation.  Use programmable timers to manage thermometers.
• 15% of your home's energy bill is used to heat water so don't run the water while you are shaving or brushing your teeth.  Take short showers instead of long showers.
• Keep your window treatments drawn in the summer to keep the sun's rays out and the cool air in.  In the winter, keep your window's uncovered so the sun will help heat your home.
• Change your air filters monthly.  Furnaces with clogged filters consume more energy than units with new filters.
• When replacing appliances, use ENERGY STAR appliances; they can save you up to 30% off your energy bill.
• Replace light bulbs in your home with CFL light bulbs.  CFLs cost more, but last longer and consume much less energy than comparable "old" light bulbs.

Being environmentally-friendly doesn't have to mean major changes in the way you live -- it can be about making small changes in your everyday life.  If everybody makes small changes, though, it can add up to a big difference.

Source
"Watts" it worth?
Maryland Office of the Attorney General
http://www.oag.state.md.us/consumer/edge123.pdf