Issue Date: January 18, 2009
Go eco on a budget
At its core, being kind to the Earth is about conserving. And conserving saves you cash. Here, Jeanie Pyun, editor of Sprig.com, shares some of her favorite ways to be green while saving some green.
Using CFLs will lead to lower electric bills.
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Install compact fluorescent light bulbs. CFLs use 75% less electricity than standard bulbs. "I put mine in five years ago, and I haven't had to change one," Pyun says. The result? Lower electric bills.
Bring lunch to work. It's usually cheaper than eating out. To be even greener, pack your meal in a reusable bag. You could save $1,000 a year on food alone, not to mention the expense of buying plastic bags.
Don't drink bottled water. Plastic doesn't biodegrade. Plus, tap water is perfectly safe and delicious -- and free! Tote your water in a reusable water bottle.
Buy secondhand. It's easy, cool and cheap because you're reusing items that already exist, Pyun says. Classified ads are a great resource for gently used clothing, jewelry, furniture and anything else you may want to acquire.
Want to know more about energy-efficient lighting? Click here.
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