With tough financial times, everyone it seems is now looking for ways to “save” and “conserve” – to save money! As much as we might not like paying higher prices, the fact is that high gas prices last year for example did result in folks using less fuel – and creating less CO2 as well. Did our standard of living go down? I don’t think so. Personally, I carpooled, it was actually fun to have someone to chat with to work. I stopped taking the unnecessary trips. And cut my fuel costs by about 10%. Easy.
And if we switch to energy saving lighting, we’ll cut our electricity costs – with the added benefit of reducing saving CO2.
It still pays to save gas, even with now-lower prices. When you take steps to save gas, you’re also reducing your CO2. Siilarly, cutting your electricity bill helps your wallet and the planet. Some of these steps are so easy! With little or no reduction in your lifestyle. Here are a few tips:
1. Check out what rebats are available to you in your state, thanks for Federal stimulus money. For example, there are tax rebates for installing home solar panels, as well as energy efficient appliances.
2. Carpool to work if you aren’t already. While gas may be low, it’s bound to rebound, so finding a good carpool match now is a great idea.
3. See if you employer will let you telecommute one day a week. Even though jobs now may be a premium, explaining to your boss that it saves your company money too (less resources used), you might get them to consider it.
4. Walk more, bike more. Take the bike out now that spring has arrived, try walking to nearby neighborhood destinations like the library or train.
We’ll post more about how saving can also cut carbon output. Once you start making small changes, you begin to see the opportunity to save – and conserve – in many more easy ways.
