Green Living

Back in 2006, mainly in the spirit of saving money, I embarked on finding ways to make our Lakewood house more energy efficient. Of course, during the process, I learned that this "greening" process also saves the environment. Here is a list of what we've done to the house (click for a PDF version of the presentation that I did at my work):

• Replaced 30 incandescent bulbs with 30 compact fluorescent bulbs

• Replaced a 15 year old refrigerator with an Energy Star certified refrigerator

• Replaced a 20 year old water heater and set it at 120 degrees

• Cut off gas flow to floor heater that we never use

• Installed low flow shower heads faucet aerators

• Installed fiberglass attic insulation

• Sealed windows and doors

• Use only cold water setting on washing machine

• We hunted down electrical vampires by unplugging gadgets when not in use

• We also use commercial car washes to cut down on water use, and we water the lawn less frequently

Cost savings result:
Average monthly utility bill before greening project: Electricity - $70, natural gas - $40, water/trash - $50
After greening project: Electricity - $25, natural gas - $15, water/trash - $30
Total annual utility savings = $1,080
Initial investment outlay = $2,500
Broke even in 2 years

Other green things that we do:

• We buy our consumables in bulk so less packaging

• We reuse plastic grocery bags as trash can liners (we recycle the excess)

• We recycle newspapers/magazines/junk mail, aluminum cans, plastic and glass bottles at a facility, thereby making some extra cash in the process

I encourage everyone to at least do something to help the environment. You'll save some money too.