Bankruptcy

On Earth Day, Go Green to Save Green

By Chris Kramer

In honor of Earth Day, the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has posted on its web site a variety of suggestions for improving your home's energy efficiency (and potentially decreasing the amount of money you pay for utilities).

Here's a summary of some of those suggestions?visit the site for more!

In the Kitchen

• Move your refrigerator away from the stove, dishwasher or any other heat sources (like radiators). To keep the coolness inside, make sure door seals are airtight.
• Wash only full loads in your dishwasher and clothes washer. Be careful not to overload, though, which can strain appliances and leave stuff dirty.
• Cook with pots and pans that fit your burners and keep lids on whenever possible to trap heat.
• Set your water heater to 120 degrees. Some come preset to 140, which can cost extra cash!

In the Utility Room

• Keep utilities in top shape by setting up regular checkup dates. Be sure to have your air conditioner and heating system inspected annually to save on potentially costly repairs.
• Get a professional to inspect the airflow in your house. Having leaks sealed can help minimize lost energy and save you money in the long run.
• Replace air filters, seal fireplace flues if you don?t use them, hang curtains on windows and tend to holes around pipes to make sure hot or cold air isn't leaking from your house.
• Go digital with your thermostat so you can arrange to have one temperature when nobody's home and another when you are.
• Try ceiling fans to better circulate air during the summer and help reduce the amount of money you have to spend on air conditioning.

For Your Car

• Drive smart and save . Staying within the speed limit, braking gently and using the kind of gas your manufacturer recommends can help you maximize your mileage.
• Maintain your vehicle. Regular oil changes, filter replacements and air-pressure checks can help keep your car on the road for a long time.
• Leave the car home if you can walk, cycle, carpool or take public transit. You?ll be doing a favor for the planet, your health and your car's lifespan.

If You're Buying

If you're in the market for new appliances, windows, vehicles or a new house, keep in mind that many energy-efficient options are now available and can save you money in tax rebates and lowered energy costs in the long term, so consider buying a "green" edition of what you need.

Additional Resources

Tips on Saving Energy and Money at Home (PDF)

Full post as published by The Bankruptcy Blog on April 22, 2010 (boomark / email).