The IT Trader

At a time when the we all face global warming on the increase, as every day harmful greenhouse gases pour out into the atmosphere, an ever increasing amount of people are asking themselves how to live green and, also, make it cost effective. Here is the good news. It is very easy to do. To be honest, if done properly, it’s easy saving money while aiding the planet recover. So, here’s how to go green in 7 simple and easy to implement tips. You will even save money in the process.

1. Your heating and cooling habits are the main avenue to how to live green. We all take these for graned and as long as we are cool or warm, depending on the season, we do not really pay attention to the consequences. By turning your heating down two or three degrees in Winter and also turning the air conditioner off a touch earlier in Summer, you will save hundreds of dollars a year.

2. Your washing machine should be washing clothes in cold water. Today’s cleaning powders do not require you to use hot water, and heating up that water is what chews up most of the energy that the  machine uses.

3. Do you use your clothes dryer to dry your clothes?! That’s not how to live green. It uses miles too much energy and it costs a pretty penny too. Use the clothes line. Obviously there are going to be times you have to use the dryer but really monitor how and when you use it. Don’t get in the habit of automattically putting the washing in the dryer. Remember, we are on the path to being eco friendly.

4. Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs use 10-15% of the energy that a stock standard light bulb uses and they last up to eight times longer. Change your light bulbs. These cost more than normal bulbs but the advatages outweighs the cost immeasurably.

5. Use less water. All faucets should be checked for leaks and remedy any you find. Take shorter showers with a shower head designed to save water, and the latest toilet cisterns use less than two gallons of water per flush. Standard cisterns use up to 3.5 gallons. Using less water uses less energy and saves you money! There are many specialist shops that sell green products online.

6. Walk rather than drive for short trips. Use a bike for further trips, and only use the vehicle if you really have to. Gasoline is expensive and it pollutes the air that we breathe. Save on burning it and you will save cash too, as well as help the environment.

7. If and when you have to use the car, keep your speed down to around 55 miles per hour. Your car’s engine will be running at its most efficient at that speed, burning the minimum amount of gas. Practice driving as smooth as possible. Don’t accelerate fast from a standing start, and don’t brake too hard. This is how to go green with your car, though using public transport, walking and cycling is even better.