10 Ways to Save Money While Saving the Environment

Electricity plays an important part in our everyday lives. We use it all the time and it becomes costly. Producing electricity also harms the environment greatly. But if you follow these suggestions, then you can save money, and the environment.

1. Unplug all small appliances when not in use, as the still have a small electrical current even if they are off. The same goes for chargers for your cell phone, mp3 players, etc.
2. Turn off the lights when you leave the room. You may believe that leaving on the lights if you are leaving for a minute or two would use less electricity than turning them off and on. This is due to the fact that for a light to start up, it needs to use extra fuel, such as a car. But this amount is so small that for this to be effective, you should only be gone from the room for about 2 seconds! So unless you can run really fast, turn off the lights.
3. Turn the brightness down on your TV, computer monitor, cell phone, mp3 player, etc. But be sure not to turn it down too low, as this can damage your eyes. Even the smallest change in the brightness can make a big difference in the long run.
4. If you want to listen to music, try to use your mp3 player or cd player. These use much less power than your big, loud sound system.
5. Try to talk less on your cell phone, as this uses much more power than sending text messages and especially talking to someone face to face.
6. Do not leave unnecessary electronics on if you are not using them. (ex. Don't leave on your TV or stereo if you are talking to your friends)
7. Only use your dishwasher or washing machine unless you can almost fill it. These use a lot of electricity and if you do this, then you will cut down on your usage. However, over filling them will keep them from cleaning very well, causing you to clean them again.
8. Do not change the thermostat all the time. I cannot stress this enough. Changing the temperature on the thermostat causes the air conditioning to turn on. Which uses A LOT of electricity. Try to have a certain temperature for each of the four seasons. Doing so can cut down your electric bill by hundreds of dollars!
9. Leaving the house more often is a great way to save electricity. If your are outside, then there is no reason to use electricity. Make sure to turn off the lights before you go outside.
10. Open the blinds instead of turning on the lights. The sun's energy is free, electricity is not. However, you can only do this during the day.