Reduce Your Carbon Footprint & Lower Your Energy Bill
Though we celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd, there are simple ways to live green all year long. While you might think that it only takes big, sweeping changes to help the environment, we all play a critical role. Collectively, our small gestures culminate in one massive movement for the planet.
Yes, even small changes can make a significant difference. Let's take a look at simply switching to LED light bulbs:
Seven billion pounds
That is the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that would result if every single American replaced one standard light bulb at home with a LED Energy Star bulb.
648,000
Again, if every American switched over one of their bulbs to an LED light, then that would be equivalent to getting rid of all the greenhouse gas emissions from that number of personal automobiles.
$566 million in savings
Replacement of one bulb per person would save the national $566 million in annual energy costs – enough to keep 2.6 million homes illuminated for a whole year!
Now, add in turning off the tap when brushing your teeth. That can save five gallons of water per day. And by rocking a tank top in summer and a cozy sweater in winter, you could adjust the temperature in your home by one degree to potentially save 10% on your energy use over the year.
Going green and being earth-friendly doesn't have to be complicated or difficult to accomplish! Here's a great list of ideas to get you started:
- Find and fix leaky fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms
- Look for eco-friendly products with minimal packaging
- Eat and shop for local, sustainable and organic foods
- Remember to change your furnace filter regularly
- Vacuum the coils behind the refrigerator twice a year
- Turn off the faucet when washing hands or brushing teeth
- Shut down your computer and monitor each night
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine when full
- Turn off the lights in rooms that are not being used
- Reduce your shower time, even by just one minute
- When done with printouts use them as scratch paper
- Turn the water heater down from 140 to 120 degrees
- Update using Energy Star appliances and fixtures
- Adjust your clothing not your home’s thermostat
- Go vegetarian—or give Meatless Mondays a chance
- Install low-flow or dual flush toilets and add a bidet
- Switch all of your bills and banking to paperless
- Freeze, reuse or simply finish off all food leftovers
- Wash and reuse resealable bags (safe foods only)
- Change out your home’s light bulbs to quality LEDs
- Landscape using less grass and more xeriscaping
- Learn what goes into your recycling bin and use it
- Swap bleach and chemicals for natural products
- Buy secondhand and donate items you don’t use
Have Fun & Play BinGO GREEN
If you're ready to take on all or some of these above items, keep track of your progress with our bingo card! You can even download a printable PDF version of the bingo board to keep track of your progress.
