Tuesday, January 12, 2010

5 Easy Things To Do


"We never know the worth of water till the well is dry"
- Thomas Fuller

New Year~ New You!

Now that it's a new year, I am highly motivated to change certain bad habits. 
I've already conquered these... Maybe you can too!

These are 5 REALLY simple things you can do to help save the planet, and save you money! 
It's really easy to do, makes a big difference, and can easily become a good habit!
JUST DO IT!

1.  Use Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFL):
CFL's use up to 75% less energy (which means a lower electric bill!), Last up to 10x longer, and Provide the same light at lower wattages.
They cost more when you buy them, but will cost you less in the long run.
* You need to dispose of them by recycling (but it will be YEARS later) because they contain trace amounts of mercury (less than a thermometer), but can do damage to the environment.

2. TURN OFF THE LIGHTS:
This is one of my biggest pet peeves.  Why keep a light on if you're not in the room? You're using more energy and paying more money!  And for those that live in an apt. building where you don't get a bill (AHEM, Boys in 23J !), you're going to make the maintenance fees higher!!!
Turn the D*** Lights Off! 

3. Change the temperature 2-3 degrees:

I know it's cold people. I'm even cold in the summer! But you DON'T need to blast the heater at 80+ degrees.  The lower you keep it, the more money you save. 
Wear a cozy sweater! Snuggle under a blanket. Cuddle with someone you love (or are attracted to!).  Buy an ugly SNUGGIE if you have to! But turning down the heat even a few degrees makes a huge difference (to the environment and your wallet!)
Read HERE for more ways to save on heating costs

4. Turn off the Water:
So simple, but a lot of people are always keeping the water running. 
Hopefully you'll pick up these easy habits... and teach them to your kids too!
Turn off the water when...
1. Brushing your teeth. 
2. When you're in the shower~ Turn off when you're doing all your business and turn back on to wash off.
3. When doing Dishes. Turn off the water when you're soaping the dishes.  And don't fill up the whole sink with water (although I don't know if people really do that....)
*If you have a leaky faucet, make sure to take care of it asap. You'd be surprised how much water gets wasted!
Americans waste sooo much water. Think of the Africans that have to walk miles and miles to get some dirty water  =*(

5. RECYCLE
If you are still not recycling... you seriously suck.  It's so simple! Reduce. Re-Use. Recycle. 
- If you have children, speak to the directors and encourage them to recycle.  All the Pre-Schools I worked at never recycled, so I would do it myself.  They go through soooo much plastic, and Paper!  And if your office/work place doesn't recycle, talk to them... or start it on your own!
- Save your old paper and use it as scrap to jot down notes and lists. 


These are the simplest things you can do... and it REALLY does make a difference!
Start with these simple tips and you'll be amazed at how easy it was and how you should have done them a long time ago!
Two words people: Global Warming.  Hello... Did u not think this summer's weather was crazy? It rained almost everyday! That's not normal!... 
OK... before I go into a whole schpeal... I hope you take these tips into account and make them a part of your life. 

We only have one Earth, people. Take care of it!




*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

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