Money Saving TipsEfficiency is always cheaper than fossil fuels
Saving energy by making smart choices saves money in the long run and provides a safe place for our future generations. Here is a list of things we have control over:
We can control, at the consumer level, how much GHG we produce. So let’s take a look at how we can save money by producing less GHG.
1. What drives us?
- ‘My SUV won’t matter’
Actually, it does. When you add up all the other vans and SUV’s out there, it accumulates to a whole lot of energy waste. Fact is the heavier and bigger the car the more energy it needs to push the vehicle forward. The passengers don't weight much, it's the car body itself that needs to be propelled by using an engine taking up so much power. The more the car weighs the more gas you will need.
Tip: When you are thinking about upgrading your vehicle, consider the possibility that in the very near future our fuel might be similar priced to that of some European countries. Germany pays over $8 per gallon, mostly because of high environmental taxes.
If you are stuck with your current car for a while check the tire pressure regularly and get rid of unnecessary weight like bike racks or cargo space on the roof if you don't need them on a regular basis. Weight has a great impact on efficiency. Have your car serviced regularly and do some brainstorming about alternative transportation. Biking, walking, taking public transportation and carpooling are all money saving options that are great for the environment as well.
Get a car that fulfills your transportation needs rather than dreams. Currently our cars run on fossil fuel. Once we have our cars run on non GHG emitting sources we can all buy Hummers, until then, think economically. Save money! Tax credits for fuel efficient cars change constantly. You might be eligible for a nice refund once you have that hybrid. More info at fueleconomy.gov.2. Where we live and how we live
- How can I improve my home for better energy efficiency?
Take the challenge and investigate if your house is an energy hog. Insufficient insulation and outdated HVACs can cost you hundred of $ each year. By hiring a professional energy auditor you will be able to pinpoint what is missing and how to improve both your financial situation by saving on electricity bills and reducing pollution.
Our homes produce an abundance of green house gases when using energy. Typically our houses cause more pollution than a typical car. Have you wondered by how much you could reduce your monthly electricity and gas bill? Simple things like purchasing ENERGY STAR labeled products that use less energy could reduce both cost and emissions. A win-win situation!
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy have created energy efficiency guidelines for your home through Home Performance with ENERGY STAR. A professional auditor uses a variety of techniques and equipment to find the best ways to make your home more energy efficient.
Contact your utility first to see if they offer free or discounted energy audits to their customers. If that is not the case find a Home Energy Rater through ENERGY STAR for Homes Partner Locator.
- Build and design the home for your energy needs
Surprisingly, many still think you can’t build a zero-energy-home without going bankrupt. This is not the case at all, as we have great examples of sustainability and beauty all over the world.
Tip: Find a respected builder who is registered with the US Green Building Council and also on the Energy Star builders list. They have done all the ‘green’ homework so you don’t have to.
Explore the Building America website by the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Rethink your lights
Change broken Incandescent lights for the much more money saving version, the compact fluorescent or CFL. They can save you up to 60% in energy costs, resulting in hundreds of $$ in savings. Look for the special CFL's that are dimmable. They are brighter and especially efficient when dimmed. Incandescent lightbulbs will be phased out starting in 2012.
The future in new home design might be even different. LED’s are on the rise. They use a fraction of energy and can last for 100,000 hours. They are much more expensive but in the long run can save you a lot of money.
Here is an example of a Near-Zero-Energy-Home in St. Louis, Missouri. The clever design, smart use of Geothermal and Solar guarantees low energy bills each month. Sage Builders are one of the leading dedicated green builders in the nation. Their future buildings could produce so much of their own energy that it’s most likely to be a ‘sub-zero-energy’ home.
- Wind farms can be built almost anywhere in the United States. It’s an incredible investment for rural America.
Do you own land with more than 40 acres? Then you might be interested in a cash crop of another kind: Wind.Wind farms bring in extra cash crops while providing viable wind power for future generations. It puts money back into the community by creating jobs and income. Watch the PBS trailer ‘Harvesting the wind’ here.