by Carrie Schutrick

Created on: September 08, 2007

The number one misconception about living a greener life is that it's hard. Nothing could be further from the truth. You have to accept that you, personally, are not going to save the world, but as the lady said, the only thing that ever has changed the world is a group of people who care. So be part of the group-because it's your planet too.

The number one easiest way to make your household greener is to buy compact fluorescent lightbulbs. They're maybe two or three times as expensive as incandescents, a price difference that's made up in about three months of their five-year lifespans. The reason it gets made up is that they use about a fifth as much electricty-good for the enviroment, and good for your electric bill too. And as a bonus, you can turn them on in the summertime without feeling as if the heat is hitting you between the eyes. (If you can afford it, solar panels or a wind generator are also very earth-friendly. You can have them installed by experts and even get maintenance contracts, to ensure hassle-free function.)

Recycled toilet paper and paper towels are also a biggie. Be sure to look for brands that promise 100% post-consumer content, and check for products made with environmentally sound bleaching products. For that matter, does it really make a difference if your paper towels are blindingly white? If not, pat yourself on the back for having made a green decision.

If you have a tank water heater, see about insulating it. Though the tank itself has excellent insulation, every degree you help it save is a degree it doesn't have to burn any more fuel on generating, and a degree you don't have to pay for. While you're at it, you might want to turn the thermostat down a few degrees-both on your water heater and in your house in general, in the winter. After all, it's easier to put on a sweater and keep yourself warm than it is to warm an entire room. Conversely, in the summer get yourself some curtains (don't want to give the neighbors a free show!) and wear as little as you can before you start turning on the AC. There's no harm in keeping yourself comfortable, but there's no reason to keep your home so cool you need long sleeves indoors.

What's really amazing about all these hints is how quick they are and how often they end up saving you money-a nice bonus, to go along with helping to save our environment. So what are you waiting for? Get started today, and by tomorrow you'll be saving!

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