12 Monthly Money – Theminimillionaires

As Earth Day approaches, it’s the perfect time to embrace eco-friendly habits that won’t just benefit the environment but also help you save some cash each month. (For more information, check out: 11 Ways the Government Rewards Green Living)

1. Utilize Natural Light

I make it a habit to turn off lights whenever possible, even for quick trips to the bathroom at night (I use my phone as a flashlight instead) to cut down on energy expenses. During the day, I rely heavily on natural light by opening curtains and blinds to illuminate my home, and when evening falls, I opt for candles or other ambient lighting from my devices.

2. Seal Drafts to Lower Heating Bills

Drafts sneaking through gaps and cracks in your home can lead to a significant loss of heated air that you’re paying for. You can tackle this issue by sealing drafts yourself—if you can locate them and handle the repairs—or by enlisting professional help. Often, the fix can be as straightforward as using towels or blankets at doorways and insulating windows and air conditioning units for the winter.

3. Optimize Your Appliances’ Settings

Many appliances may be set too high, causing them to work harder than necessary. Review the settings on your refrigerator, freezer, oven, microwave, and others to see if they can function effectively at lower settings, and adjust as needed.

4. Implement a Greywater System

Greywater, which consists of all wastewater in your home except that from toilets, can be effectively reused to reduce water consumption.

According to Morgan Vondrak, a certified sustainable landscape designer at Argia Designs in San Francisco, “Using a laundry-to-landscape greywater system can minimize water costs by recycling water from laundry or sink and shower use to water your garden. This method is especially beneficial for sustaining fruit trees and water-heavy edible plants.”

Pablo Solomon, an expert in conservation and ecological design, also adds that “placing a pan in your sinks and bathtubs to catch excess water can be a great resource. You can even save bath water for flushing toilets and nourishing plants.”

5. Opt for Cold Water in Laundry, and Keep the Dryer Lint Trap Clean

While washing clothes in cold water may not yield massive savings, it can help you reduce your bill slightly each month, especially if you’re comfortable with cold washes.

Solomon notes, “Using cold water instead of hot for laundry can save you over $3 monthly. Also, since the dryer accounts for roughly 5% of your electric bill, regularly cleaning the lint trap will enable faster drying and lower energy costs.”

6. Leverage Sunlight for Temperature Control

While drafts can impact your indoor temperature, sunlight can significantly influence the warmth or coolness of your home. It’s important to manage sunlight exposure during both warm and cold months.

Solomon suggests, “Utilize window coverings to block excess heat in the summer while allowing sunlight in for warmth in the winter. Though window treatments can be costly, consider alternatives like blankets or crafting your own curtains from materials found at thrift stores. A friend of mine even created insulation-efficient drapes by sewing bubble wrap between fabric layers.”

7. Reduce Your Water Heater Temperature

While it’s wise to use cold water for laundry, it’s equally important to check the temperature setting on your hot water heater.

Eileen Flanagan, author of *Renewable: One Woman’s Search for Simplicity, Faithfulness, and Hope*, warns, “If you find yourself mixing in cold water to avoid scalding during showers, your water heater is likely set too high. Most experts recommend a setting of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Once you discover a comfortable temperature using only hot water, set it there and forget it—except when you go on vacation, when you can lower it even more.”

8. Utilize a Power Strip and Switch it Off

Instead of plugging devices into separate outlets scattered throughout your home, consolidate them onto one power strip. This makes it easier to control energy usage by turning everything off with a single switch.

Gene Wang, CEO and co-founder of People Power, a California-based tech company, says, “Smart power plugs can monitor energy usage by your ‘energy vampires’, such as TVs and game consoles, and can be programmed to automatically shut down at night and restart in the morning.”

Develop a habit of only plugging in other devices and appliances—like printers or coffee makers—when you plan to use them.

9. Address Leaks Promptly

While we should all be turning off the tap while brushing our teeth and taking shorter showers, it is pointless if leaks in your pipes or dripping faucets are wasting water. Swiftly remedy any leaks to avoid unnecessary expenses.

10. Treat Carpets and Rugs as Additional Insulation

Rugs and carpets can play a vital role in insulating your home, especially in winter. Often, these can be less expensive to install—particularly area rugs—than redoing insulation or raising the thermostat. Plus, your feet will appreciate not having to walk on a cold floor in the morning.

11. Walk, Cycle, or Take Public Transport More

Changing your local travel habits can lead to significant savings on gas and vehicle maintenance. Make it a point to walk, cycle, or use public transport whenever the weather permits. Carpooling is another great way to save money; I once shared rides with a coworker, alternating weeks, which cut my fuel expenses by over $1,000.

12. Consider an Energy Audit

If you are committed to green living but unsure where to begin, think about scheduling an energy audit to discern what adjustments can be made to lessen your carbon footprint and monthly energy costs.

Shel Horowitz, an author and green business expert, notes that “Many utility companies offer these audits for free or at a minimal cost. The last time we had one, we received hundreds of dollars worth of LED light bulbs and had two-thirds of our insulation costs covered.”

What eco-friendly practices do you follow that help you save money each month? Share your thoughts in the comments!