TEACH Inc.

25 Really Simple Ways to Love the Planet & Save Money

Going green is easy!

And today is a great day to begin. Here we present 25 painless ways to help lessen your impact on the planet, many of which will save you money in energy costs! They range from simple habit changes to small investments of time and/or money that will definitely pay off in the long run. Your planet will thank you and so will you wallet!

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1. Use cloth napkins instead of paper, or use 100% post consumer paper towels.
2. Combine your errands when you can and avoid making truly unnecessary trips to the corner store. If you live relatively close to your destination, consider walking or riding a bike and get some exercise while you’re at it!
3. Do laundry in cold water. You’ll save money by using less hot water, so your water heater won’t have to work as hard, plus you’re clothes will stay looking better longer and you’re less likely to shrink a favorite shirt.
4. Close the blinds during the summer to help prevent heat coming through your windows.
5. Run your dishwasher only when it’s full and resist the temptation to pre-wash dishes unless they REALLY need it. Let your dishwasher do its job!
6. Turn off lights, the TV, computer and other electronics when you’re not using them.
7. Turn off paper statements and pay your bills online. Many advances in online security have been made in recent years, and most banks offer these services through their websites.
8. Don’t buy or use Styrofoam products. These products are harmful to the environment, so steer clear!
9. Shut off the water when you’re brushing your teeth instead of letting it run….and run…
10. Use shower towels more than once. Do you really need a new towel EVERY time your take a shower? Save some water, energy and money by making things last longer in between washes.
11. Use eco-friendly biodegradable cleaning solutions. There are many great products on the market these days. Who needs those harsh chemical smells anyway?
12. Keep vehicles properly tuned and tires properly inflated.
13. Unplug your cell phone charger when you are not using it.
14. Drink Fair Trade coffee. It tastes better anyway.
15. Don’t buy new stuff that you know you’ll hardly use. Borrow or buy used items instead.
16. Get off junk mail lists and avoid receiving paper ads that you didn’t want in the first place and are only going to get rid of. Make sure you recycle any mail and paper that you DO receive.
17. Recycle or reuse plastic and paper grocery bags.
18. Go to a local library instead of buying new books. If they don’t have what you want and you end up buying anyway, look for a used copy and consider donating books that you’re done with to the library for others in your community to enjoy.
19. Don’t let your car idle and avoid using drive thrus. Save some gas and prevent harmful, unnecessary pollutants from entering the air from your car’s exhaust.
20. Turn of powerstrips and surge protectors when not in use.
21. Buy clothes from a thrift shop, Goodwill or Salvation Army. You’ll be saving resources (by re-using items), money (the cost of a used pair of jeans vs. a new pair of jeans can be significant), and in many cases you’ll be supporting charity organizations that do a lot of good. What’s not fantastic about that?
22. Buy local products and food. Support local businesses, farmers and ranchers that use environmentally friendly practices. Seek out farmers that grow their crops organically and reap the benefits of better nutrition and a healthier earth.
23. Use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones. You’ll spend less on portable power, and help to curb the waste going into our landfills. When you must dispose of batteries that are no good, make sure you take them to a place that handles the recycling of batteries and other chemicals that should NOT be thrown in the trash.
24. Recycle electronics and computer hardware properly by taking items like this to a local recycling or donation center that takes them. Things like cell phones, laptop computers, desktop computers, monitors, TVs, VCRs, DVD players, gaming systems, etc. should be disposed of properly and not thrown in the garbage to end up in landfills polluting the earth!
25. Last but DEFINITELY not least for this post is: Recycle! Recycle! Recycle!