How To Do Simple Things To Help Save The Environment - And Save Money

The Industrial Revolution began well over a century ago. Since that time the amount of pollution in the environment has substantially increased.

Many people now feel that the changes in our weather systems and the various environmental disasters that we've experienced over the past couple of decades have been caused by man's blatant abuse of what Mother Nature has provided.

However, there are a number of things that we all can do that could slow down, and perhaps even reverse the damage that has been done. This article will look at some approaches we can take that could help save the environment - and put some extra money into your pocket as well.

Balloons

Just about everyone has seen films where people in love release balloons into the air. If you're romantically inclined it probably put a smile on your face and made you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

However, as far as the environment and the Earth's creatures are concerned, you should be frowning. That's because when balloons are released out of doors they often find their way to open water - even if the water is hundreds of miles away.

Once they land in the water they can literally kill whales, turtles, and other marine mammals.

Indoor Lighting

Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are bulbs that cast a soft, warm, white glow. And although Energy Star qualified CFLs initially cost more than regular incandescent bulbs and fixtures you'll find that in the long term they offer plenty of ecological as well as financial benefits.

These benefits more than outweigh the small additional initial cost.

First of all, incandescent bulbs will burn for approximately 1,000 hours. However, most CFSs will last between 6,000 and 15,000 hours.

Next, compact fluorescent lights use 20% to 40% of the amount of energy that incandescent light bulbs require. Once you realize that indoor lighting accounts for about 50% of a structure's energy consumption you can appreciate how much money you can save on your monthly electric bill by simply switching to CFLs.

Would you like to save even more money? Then just turn off any lights that aren't necessary.

Just by doing this one simple thing you can cut the amount of energy that you and your family use for lighting by an additional 45%.

And, while we're talking about lighting, you should not underestimate the power of natural light. Daylight is free and it's very pleasant. And, if you're in a work environment, you will find that natural light will improve your productivity and make your customers happier.

If you want to enhance the advantages that natural (as well as artificial) light provides you should make sure to paint your walls a light color.

Fuel

Now, in order to save fuel, you should make fewer trips to your grocery store and while there you should stock up on fruits and vegetables that last longer. For example, you could buy onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, spinach, asparagus, oranges, and the old standby - peanut butter.

Would you like to learn more about how you can help to save the environment?

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