Install a Low-Flow Shower Head
Many of us are unlikely to shake up our morning shower routine by cutting our time spent waking up to glorious heat, but those looking to save water when they can without sacrificing their A.M. ritual can install a low-flow showerhead. Plenty of models boast decent water pressure and can reduce your water consumption by up to 50 percent, effectively saving you eight gallons per five minutes of shower time.
The Ol’ Tank Displacement Trick
Here’s a tried-and-true tactic that works. Grab an empty 1-liter soda bottle, fill it with either sand or pebbles for weight, and top the remainder off with water before stowing it in your toilet’s tank (away from the moving parts, of course). Doing so will save some-10 gallons of water daily on flushes, and make you feel like MacGyver.
Weatherstrip Your Doors
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, only 20% of homes constructed before 1980 are sufficiently insulated. What does this mean for you? Wasted air slipping right through the cracks of your home. Roofs and walls aside, keeping circulation inside and your energy bill low is a breeze: simply insert weatherstripping under your doors and where the door contacts the jamb to lock in cool air.
Reuse Those Plastic Baggies
When it comes to saving money and the planet, this one’s a no-brainer. Get the most out of your plastic zip bags by tossing them in the sink instead of the garbage can. Washing and rinsing will extend their shelf life beyond a single use, keeping food fresh and money in your pocket.
Use Power Strips to Fight Phantom Loads
Phantom power refers to the energy used by appliances and electronic gadgets even while you are not using them. These “phantom loads” use energy even after you’ve switched them off — simply by virtue of being plugged in. Fight phantom energy by unplugging unnecessary gadgets around the house when they are not in use.
Consider the Clothesline
Want to save the environment AND save on your electric bill? Use a clothesline. By “walking the line,” you let the sun and air do the work for you for the exact same results as an energy-heavy drying machine.
Self-Irrigate Your Garden
You can self-irrigate your garden by using a plastic bottle, flipping it upside down, and cutting the bottom (now top) off and filling with water. Refill whenever needed as it seeps into the soil.
Incandescent No Longer – Go LED
Another great idea is to check and replace those light bulb, even if they haven’t yet burnt out, and switch to LED. They are estimated to last up 50,000 hours! The price point is a touch higher but the ROI on your energy bill at the end of the month is worth it.
