Even taking baby steps to “go green” in your lifestyle can make a lasting & positive environmental impact. It doesn’t have to be costly; just a few, simple changes will make a difference, and you’ll end up saving money in the long run. Here are some suggestions:

Using less electricity:
From turning off your computer when you aren’t using it, to switching light bulbs. There are countless ways to use less electricity. A programmable thermostat is a real money saver. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are much touted energy savers & last longer than incandescent bulbs. However, ALL fluorescent bulbs release mercury into the environment when disposed of, so their benefits have come into question recently.

If you’re not ready to make the bulb switch, you can still reduce lighting costs by lowering the wattage of the bulbs used; and for goodness sake, that ceiling fan with 8 light bulbs in it doesn’t need 75 watt bulbs in each fixture! A 40 (or even 25) watt bulb in each fixture will give plenty of light.

Conserving water:
Try to run the dish or clothes washer & dryer and with full loads as much as possible, but don’t overfill. You’ll use less water and electricity by only running these appliances when necessary.

Have a low-flow shower head installed. The newer models still produce strong water pressure while using a lot less water. Reduce the length of your showering time and/or get a switch installed that allows you to turn off the water flow (but water temp. is maintained) while you soap up.

Driveway messy? Grab a broom & sweep it up! Save that garden hose/power washer for real chores…not spraying the down the driveway.