Save The Planet & Some Money This Earth Day
Earth Day is held each year on April 22 as a day to focus our attention towards supporting environmental protection. While Earth Day is a great time to consider how small changes in our individual lifestyles can help protect the environment, it's often forgotten that such efforts can also be great opportunities to save money! Here are a few of our favorite tips and products that are both environmentally friendly and good for your wallet.
1. Substitute Your Light Bulbs
Old light bulbs use the majority of their energy on producing heat rather than light. The switch to LED or Compact Fluorescent lightbulbs can save you money in the long term due to their longer lifespan and use of less electricity. If you're looking to make the switch to LED without ever having to physically switch on and off your lights, opt for our Amazon Alexa Plus, which includes a Philips Hue LED lightbulb! It's built-in hub allows for direct set up and control compatible of smart home devices like lights and more. Your energy bill will thank you.
2. Use Alternative Travel Methods
Carpooling is a great way to save money on gas. It also allows fewer cars to be on the road and in turn less carbon emissions that pollute the atmosphere. Biking, walking, or using public transit to work can help you save on travel and reduce your contribution to our carbon footprint.
3. Use Reusable Products
Refillable water bottles and reusable storage/cookware help save on the cost of bottled water and prepackaged goods. Prepackaged goods typically end up as waste in a landfill and contribute to human made waste. Spring for a water bottle that can preserve the temperatures of both warm and cool liquids for hours, like the S'well bottle. Not only will you find yourself saving money and decreasing your production of waste, but you'll never have to warm up your coffee or add ice to your water.
4. Energy Audit
Getting an energy audit by a professional can help you determine which parts of your home are draining energy and causing you to lose money on energy costs. If most of your energy use is coming from heating and cooling your home, try switching your thermostat to the Nest Third Generation Learning thermostat. The corresponding app lets you track energy usage and get tips on energy conservation, so you save an average of 10-15 percent on your heating and cooling bills.
5. Unplug or Upgrade your Appliances
Unplugging unused household appliances can reduce phantom power usage in your household. If you're in the market for a new large appliance, opt for one that is ENERGY STAR certified, like our Samsung 7.4 Cubic Foot Capacity DOE Electric Dryer, which is eco-friendly and energy-efficient.
Happy Earth Day!