You probably won’t even notice the difference and you’ll save money too.

There are literally hundreds of ways you can actively reduce energy and water use with simple changes in the way you live and in turn, reduce your carbon footprint.  Here are just 5 easy things you can do right now …and you won’t even feel the pinch.

#1 Ditch The Bottled Water – In the most unbelievable marketing campaign of all time, the bottled water Industry has successfully convinced the general public to pay for something that’s essentially free.  Many of those plastic bottles end up in landfills.  And that’s in addition to the carbon created during manufacturing, transportation and refrigeration. And by the way, that eight glasses a day regime is total hogwash.  Even some in the medical community have been duped by this one.  It’s a myth based on urban legend and unsupported by any scientific or medical evidence. You get a lot of the water you need from the foods you eat every day.  Besides polluting the environment, you’re also unnecessarily overworking your kidneys. 

Drink tap water or buy a faucet or water pitcher filter.  That’s essentially what some major brands are anyway …merely filtered municipal water supplies.  Read the label.  The FDA requires these brands to list the water source.

#2 Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs – This is a no-brainer.  Fluorescent bulbs not only use less energy, they last longer than incandescent bulbs.  They also save you money in the long run.

#3 Wash Clothes in Cold Water – Even if you’re using the new front loading washers that use less water, washing clothes in hot water uses a lot of energy.  For lightly soiled items, even whites, use cold water.  If you get the ick about bacteria, just add some cold water bleach to the load.  Set a goal to cut the number of your hot water wash loads in half.

#4 Perform a DIY Home Energy Audit – Seal air leaks in doors and windows with caulk and weather stripping.  Add insulation to attics and crawl spaces.  If your home has a garage located under the residence, insulate the garage ceiling with foam insulation panels and weather strip garage doors.  Replace air conditioning and heating filter elements more frequently.

#5 Stop Using a Fresh Towel for Every Shower – You’re already clean after you get out of the shower, so how dirty can the towel be?  Just air-dry it and use it again.  Not only will this new habit conserve energy, you’ll save money here too.

If you’re serious about being an active reducer of your carbon footprint, then consider installing a photovoltaic solar power system.

By: Rick Contrata

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