Simple Ways I'm Helping the Environment and Saving Money at the Same Time
Steve Helmer
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I'm not an eco-crusader and, quite honestly, I still think a lot of the fuss being made over global warming is the result of people overreacting. But, I like to save money. And, for that 
reason I'm becoming more environmentally friendly just by making some changes around the house.
And, they are things everyone can do:
I buy energy saving light bulbs. I actually started replacing my old incandescent bulbs a few months ago because I got tired of the almost weekly chore of getting out the step stool and changing one. The bulbs are a bit dimmer and took some getting used to but I can't go wrong with something that should last 7 years.
How am I helping the environment? My electricity comes from a coal plant. By reducing my use, I'm reducing the amount of coal that not only needs to be harvested but transported to the plant.
How much did I save? It's a little too early to tell for sure since I'm only changing the bulbs when they burn out (I have about 5 to go). But, my electric bill seems to be about $7 less each month. Of course, I have to subtract the initial $4 investment for each light bulb.
I grow a garden. I love gardening so I wouldn't count this as a sacrifice. Usually I grow things that I know I'll use a lot of; potatoes, onions, carrots, tomatoes and lettuce. If I have room, I'll also throw in a row of something I can freeze for later, such as green beans.
How am I helping the environment? Food needs to be transported to stores and that takes gas. Then, of course, there's always the question of what harmful pesticides are being used on the food I buy at the store.
How much did I save? A typical garden usually gives me several pounds of each vegetable and, this year, since I have a bigger yard, my garden should be much bigger. I'm guessing I save about $300-$400 a year on my food costs.
And, they are things everyone can do:
I buy energy saving light bulbs. I actually started replacing my old incandescent bulbs a few months ago because I got tired of the almost weekly chore of getting out the step stool and changing one. The bulbs are a bit dimmer and took some getting used to but I can't go wrong with something that should last 7 years.
How am I helping the environment? My electricity comes from a coal plant. By reducing my use, I'm reducing the amount of coal that not only needs to be harvested but transported to the plant.
How much did I save? It's a little too early to tell for sure since I'm only changing the bulbs when they burn out (I have about 5 to go). But, my electric bill seems to be about $7 less each month. Of course, I have to subtract the initial $4 investment for each light bulb.
I grow a garden. I love gardening so I wouldn't count this as a sacrifice. Usually I grow things that I know I'll use a lot of; potatoes, onions, carrots, tomatoes and lettuce. If I have room, I'll also throw in a row of something I can freeze for later, such as green beans.
How am I helping the environment? Food needs to be transported to stores and that takes gas. Then, of course, there's always the question of what harmful pesticides are being used on the food I buy at the store.
How much did I save? A typical garden usually gives me several pounds of each vegetable and, this year, since I have a bigger yard, my garden should be much bigger. I'm guessing I save about $300-$400 a year on my food costs.