8 replies to this topic

[FamilyTreeClimber]

The discussion on why some people think recycling is a waste of time got me to thinking.  It seems one of the reasons people don't switch to a green alternatives is they don't know how, they think it will cost too much, or they think it is a waste of time.

If you were approached by somebody who had no clue what they could do to start living a more green life, what one thing would you tell them they could start doing right now?  It doesn't have to be something that will have a big impact.  It can be a simple change that could make them start doing things in a different way.

What one thing would you tell them to start with?

[Shortpoet-GTD]

I'll give you two and both will have an impact; not only on their wallets but reducing emissions-
which to me is more important than recycling paper or cans because a large percentage of Americans still
get their power from coal.
If their power source is renewable, then the money saved can be spent on another solar panel or updating an old frig.

1st-insulation.
It can be a diy project or hire a professional. Either way, the homeowner will see substantial savings in heating and cooling.
And by that I mean walls, not just the attic. Adding extra to the attic is an easy weekend project, and it will
help in savings, but not as much as blown-in or foam into the wall cavities.

2nd and super easy to do and saves $300+ a year-install smart power strips on all electrical devices
(except frig) and consistently using them i.e. flipping them off. The minute or two that computers or tv's
take to reboot when needed is well worth the savings.
(We've had a few threads here that talked about "vampire" electrical draw and what a waste it is.)
http://awesome.good....pireenergy.html

[E3 wise]

Shortpoet is 100% about the #1 and #2 hands down. Increasing Insulation to R29 or higher and tuning off vampire power will both save large amounts of money and help reduce emissions more than almost anything you can do.  That said I want to give you another that will also accomplish both.

Change all your light bulbs to Compact Florescent bulbs’ or if you can afford to do a little more LED’s.
Reason 1- CFL’s use ¼ the electricity of standard bulbs, LED’s 1/10^th.

Reason 2- 1 regular 75 watt light bulb gets up to 200 F – remember the easy bake oven, it ran off 1 - 75 watt bulb.  In fact 4- 60 watt bulbs equal 1 ton of air conditioning.  Meaning, that if your lights are on you use more air conditioning, and therefore use more electricity that comes from coal fired power plants.

    Here is another for everyone.  Change your air conditioning filter once a month and wash the outside unit off once a month.  Doing both will drop your electric bill by 15-20% a month and double the average life span from 12 to 25 years.  Here is why.

   The compressor on the outside unit is cooled by air coming from the sides and being ejected out the top by the fan.  Grass, dirt, and participant matter clog the air flow and make the compressor which uses 95% of the electricity work harder and over time wear out the compressor faster.

  It really simple to clean, turn the system off, then take your outside hose and without a sprayer on turn on 1/2, then doing one side at a time work from the top down spraying water in the fins on the side, gently.  The unit is sealed to prevent rain water from reaching anything electrical so you will not damage anything.  You do not need to wash the fan or inside from the top, just the sides, the dirtiest is always the side closest to the house.  Doing so reduces your electrical usage for both inside and outside, and since both are 220 volts that a lot of savings and once again you double the life of the system, which can cost thousands to replace.

   These two things can save up to 25 – 35% of your total electrical use, follow ShortPoets #1 and #2 and these two also and the total electrical savings can be as high as 60%.  That’s money in your pocket and less emissions for all and its simple and quick.

[Hardison]

The one thing I would tell someone is to use a water filter and a good resuseable water botlle instead of buying bottle water.

[zararina]

Reusing and recycling/segregating.
It is not hard to do and will not cost anything, instead you can gain or save from it. Just like in reusing, instead of buying a new thing for a certain purpose, a used "thing" might be used for it such as big plastic jars possible to be used as plant pots. And recycling does not mean you will recycle it yourself, just segregate those things that can still be recycled and donate or give to recycling centers. Or you can even sell those stuffs on a junk shop for extra income.

[dziomek]

I think the one thing anyone can start with is to recycle soda and milk containers. There are many recycling depots in towns and cities across the country. To some it may seem like a waste of time. but keep in mind these places pay per bottle, can or container. We have personally stored our bottles and cans, then came away from the depot with a couple hundred dollars in hand. If that is the only thing you do, it is worth it. I would encourage people to do more as well, such as composting, recycling materials, etc.

[Shortpoet-GTD]

Walk, bike or take the bus whenever possible vs. the car.

[dziomek]

Shortpoet-GTD, on 20 June 2012 - 02:47 AM, said:

Walk, bike or take the bus whenever possible vs. the car.

That is a good idea as well, but for those of us who live in rural areas walking or biking to the store is not an option. For anyone who lives in towns or cities that is a good habit to get into, especially if going to the grocery store for only an item or two.

[BillK22]

Pro Shifter has some great tips.  Personally I save fuel with properly inflated tires.  Yep, you have to adjust the pressure in the summer/ winter, but I get 3-4mpg more with good inflation.  Not too much though, that'll wear out your tires.