33 Tips for Low-Cost Green Living

You don’t need lots of money to raise your green living standard. Here are some low- to no-cost tips that will save you money and protect the planet.

If you’re reading this magazine, you’re probably already conscientious about your health and nutrition, and most likely the health of the planet as well. But are you doing everything you could to not only protect the earth but your family’s budget, too? According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, more than $200 billion is spent in residential energy use in the United States each year. Chances are, your lifestyle could use a green upgrade.

As green living hits the mainstream, there are more and more firms that offer formal evaluations and advice on how to “green” your lifestyle and save money to boot. One of them is the Green Heart Institute near Denver, an organization that teaches homeowners sustainable living practices. Diane Dandeneau, cofounder and executive director, says that subjecting your home and life to an eco-audit can not only save you money but also show you just how big your environmental footprint is. She says 30 families for whom the Green Heart Institute recently provided eco-audits and action plans collectively saved 16% on energy bills over the course of five months by changing their lifestyles to be more environmentally friendly.

But you don’t have to hire a professional to give your home an energy analysis. There are plenty of no-brainers you can check yourself. For example, Terry Logee, a technology development manager with the U.S. Department of Energy, says the biggest environmental footprints homeowners make come from heating and cooling systems and air infiltration. Even if you can’t afford to upgrade to a more efficient HVAC system, simple things such as service checks and regular filter changes can help you save on energy costs, as can sealing up leaky ductwork.

Below is a checklist of things you can do in your home (and maybe even on your way to work) to help save money and decrease your carbon footprint.

Your Green Living Checklist

Home Energy

Is your HVAC system 10 years or older? If so, you may benefit from replacing it with a more energy-efficient model. Heating and cooling uses one third to one half of your home’s energy. However, if you can’t afford to upgrade right now, make sure to clean and/or replace your HVAC filter at least once per month, as dirty filters can cut down on your system’s efficiency. Also, be sure to have it inspected by a qualified service technician annually to make sure it’s operating at its best.

Check to see if the exposed ductwork (such as in a basement, attic, or crawlspace) is sealed at the joints. If not, you can buy mastic sealant at your local hardware store and seal it yourself.
Have you sealed the space between your foundation and cladding? This is a much-overlooked space for air leaks.
Make sure there are vapor barriers on the ground underneath your crawlspace, as moisture can reduce insulation’s effectiveness. Putting down vapor barriers can be a fairly simple do-it-yourself project with the purchase of a roll of 4-millimeter or thicker plastic.
Is air infiltrating around your windows and doors? Purchasing energy-efficient windows can be a big expense, but you can get low-energy storm windows. You may also be able to cut down on air infiltration by sealing the gaps with caulk or foam and hanging up heavy curtains or window shades.
If drafts are coming in through electrical outlets and switches, you’ve got a leaky wall. Pull out the electrical boxes and tuck insulation behind them.
Check for old and deteriorating weather stripping and caulk around exterior trim, doors, and windows. Replace it where it’s not holding up anymore.
Replace old appliances with new Energy Star models. If you can’t afford new appliances, make sure you only wash clothes and dishes in full loads. Don’t use hot water to wash. Keep your refrigerator and freezer full, as they run most efficiently this way.
Replace your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. They last five to 10 times longer and will save as much as 30% on your electric bill in the long term.
Invest in a programmable thermostat that will automatically adjust the temperature of your home when you’re away or sleeping. At the very least, keep the thermostat at 70 degrees or lower in winter and layer your clothing.
Get your electric meter wired to provide a readout in your house so you can monitor your electric use and see what appliances and activities are draining the most electricity. This will help you modify your use.
Turn off the lights, computers, television, and other small appliances when not in use. You’ll save even more by unplugging them.
Take advantage of the sun. Use natural light to illuminate workspaces and provide warmth during winter days through south-facing windows. In summer, make sure west-facing windows are covered to keep out the sun’s heat.
Cover wall- or window-mounted air conditioners when they’re not in use, so cold air from outside won’t infiltrate your home.
Make sure your water heater is insulated, particularly if it is an unconditioned space. Also, insulate hot water pipes in unconditioned spaces.
Lower the temperature of your hot water heater as much as you can while still being comfortable, trying to keep it at about 120˚F.

How to Conserve More Water

Install low-flow showerheads and toilets.
Collect rainwater for irrigating your lawn and garden. This can be as simple as having your gutter system empty into a cistern.
If you must water the lawn, do so early in the morning or in the evening so water doesn’t have the chance to evaporate.
Don’t buy multi-showerhead systems. They often use more water than that used to draw a bath.
If you have the space, line dry clothes outdoors.
Check for leaky toilets by putting food coloring in the tank. If you see the dye in the bowl, you’ve got a leak, and you can save hundreds of gallons of water per day by fixing it.

Make Your Home Healthier

Don’t overseal your home. Ventilation is necessary for air quality, so don’t get into a caulking frenzy and seal underneath lap siding, for example (unless there are really large gaps). Also, make sure your attic and crawlspaces are ventilated to prevent moisture buildup and mold formation.

Use environmentally friendly cleaning supplies. White vinegar and baking soda, for example, can do wonders for cleaning and removing stains.
Keep lots of house plants, as they help clean the air and remove toxins.
Use native plants and grasses for landscaping so you don’t have to irrigate.
If you’re working on any do-it-yourself projects around the house, be sure to use paints with few if any volatile organic compounds. Many home materials also have harmful formaldehyde-based adhesives, including carpeting, cabinets, and plywood/OSB. If you’re replacing any of these items, seek healthier options and look for the GreenGuard seal.

Simple Lifestyle Changes

Are you recycling? If not, start separating your glass, plastic, paper, and other recyclables.
Use both sides of paper in your office at work and at home. Cut the amount of junk mail you receive by contacting the Direct Marketing Association and telling them to add your name to its suppression list. This could eliminate up to 75% of the junk mail you receive. Don’t fill out warranty cards. Your product will still be covered under the warranty without them; they are mainly used to collect demographic information for marketing purposes.
Remember that transportation is a big energy consumer. Carpool or use the public transportation system. Ride a bike or walk to work if it’s close.
Compost household waste like food scraps to prevent the amount of material going into landfills.
Start setting your own 100-mile table. Using produce grown locally (and preferably organically) is not only often safer, healthier, and more flavorful, it’s an easy way for you to protect the environment. Cooking with tomatoes that have been shipped 3,000 miles from California to New York makes a pretty hefty carbon footprint. Learn to can and freeze extra produce, so you can still enjoy it in the winter months. Buy as much locally grown food as you can and support your local economy, too.
Another option is to grow your own food. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to live in the country to do this. You can make a big impact with a small backyard garden or, if you don’t have the space for that, you can grow lots of plants in pots on an apartment balcony, including certain varieties of tomatoes, herbs, and even strawberries. Plus, you and your family will learn important skills about where food comes from and gain greater self-sufficiency.

For more information and to conduct a do-it-yourself home energy audit, visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s Home Energy Saver online at http://hes.lbl.gov. There are also many energy-saving tips, as well as do-it-yourself instructions on improving your home’s energy performance, available at www.energystar.gov.

— Deborah R. Huso