04 Jan 15 money-saving, planet-saving New Year’s Resolutions
By Megan Houston
Want to live more sustainably in 2021? Try these green tips from Megan Houston, Director, Palm Beach County Office of Resilience. You’ll help Florida become more resilient, slow climate change, and keep more “green” in your pocket.
Control your temperature. Cool your home at 78°F or warmer with the thermostat fan switched to auto. Houston says you can save even more by installing a programmable thermostat and set the temperature to 82° when you’re away. Savings can be $200-300 per year. Want to keep it cooler? Consider installing renewable energy with a solar photovoltaic (PV) rooftop array to help offset the environmental impact of running your AC.
Switch to LED bulbs. LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) use 75 percent less energy than regular light bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. They also emit less heat. “Don’t let the initial cost be a deterrent,” says Houston. “LEDs can pay for themselves through energy cost savings in the first four months!”
Turn off the lights and fans when you leave the room. Place reminder stickers on switches to help make it a habit.
Adjust your water settings. Turn the hot water heater down to 120°. Combine that with washing clothes in cold water and savings can be $200-$300 per year.
Replace your shower head. High-efficiency shower heads are designed to maintain water pressure while using much less water than traditional models. “This quick fix could reduce your shower water use by 20-60 percent, depending on how long you like to sing in the shower,” says Houston.
Equip taps with a high-efficiency faucet aerator. Faucet aerators reduce water use while maintaining flow. They cost very little ($4-6), are easy to install, and have quick return on investment. “Depending on the aerator’s flow rate and water use, you could see an annual savings of $15-40,” notes Houston.
Install a solar thermal or photovoltaic water heater. Though initially more expensive, these alternatives can cut energy bills by as much as 75% within the first year.
Purchase high-efficiency appliances. When replacing appliances, choose high-efficiency models. Look for refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers, and dryers labeled EnergyStar and WaterSense.
Use electronics wisely. Even when turned off, many electronics go into stand-by mode. Chargers plugged in without an electronic also use energy. “These devices can account for 10 percent or more of your electricity bill, so unplug or use power strips when not in use to stop the energy leak,” says Houston . Read more here.
Recycle old electronics. If your TV, cell phone, or computer is on its last leg, don’t throw it away! Recycling 1 million laptops saves the energy equivalent to electricity used by 3,657 U.S. homes in a year. Visit www.epa.gov/recycle to search for drop-off locations.
Use Florida-friendly landscaping. Native plants use less water, are more resistant to local plant diseases, and provide habitat and food for wildlife. Layering with mulch also prevents rapid water loss, reducing frequency of watering. “Kudos to JIC for publishing a residents’ guide to Florida Friendly landscaping,” says Houston. Find it here: https://tinyurl.com/yxksrfbj. Find more tips at fyn.ifas.ufl.edu
Try backyard composting. An estimated 20-30 percent of garbage, including coffee grounds (a source of nitrogen), food scraps, and yard clippings, can be composted and added to soil to help your yard flourish. Learn how to get started at this SWA website.
Adjust irrigation and save rainwater. Water in the early morning when temperatures are the lowest to reduce water lost through evaporation. Refrain from watering in the late afternoon or evening. This is when insects and diseases are most active. Collect and save rainwater from your gutters with a rain barrel and use it to water plants.
Unsubscribe from printed catalogs and unsolicited mail. Each year, printed catalogs consume 53 million trees and enough water to fill 81,000 swimming pools! To unsubscribe, go to www.catalogchoice.com. If you have paper magazine or newspaper subscriptions, consider switching to the digital version.
Buy a fuel-efficient car. “JIC is home to a lot of fuel-efficient cars,” says Houston. A 30-mpg car will save the average driver about $1,000 per year in fuel costs when compared to a 20-mpg car. Go even greener with an all-electric vehicle.”