Goal For The Green

Here are a few tips you can put into practice right away that take little effort and your wallet will thank-you.

Did you know that Americans idle away approximately 2.9 billion gallons of gas a year?  With the prices going up almost daily, that is almost $80 billion a year in wasted gas. Obviously, the less you have to stop and go the better. It also helps to maintain a steady, rather than fluctuating speed. Also, be sure your tires have the correct amount of air in them.  Just little things, but they make a difference in the air we breathe and in your wallet.

Just by turning off your computer when not in use, you can save about $90 a year. You can also save more by unplugging small appliances when not in use.  Every little bit helps, because even though it doesn’t seem like it, everything that is left plugged in still uses energy.

By signing up for Green Power, you are supporting the future development of renewable resources. Green Power, is electricity from renewable non- polluting resources like wind and solar power, that can be used over and over. Green Power usage does less harm to the environment.  Turning down your thermostat a couple of degrees can save you between 1-3% on your power bill. It might not seem like much, but it can add up considering 50-70% of your electric bill is calculated based on your heating and cooling consumption.  Wash your clothes in cold water.  This also makes a difference in your power bill.

Paying your bills online saves you time, money gas, and stamps.  It also saves on the amount of paper used to send you that bill.  To get rid of junk mail you can sign up ($1.00 fee ) at Mail Preference Service on Direct Market Assistance website. Most junk mail will stop within about 90 days. To stop opt-in offers from cluttering your mailbox, you can call 1-888-5-OPTOUT.  Follow the instructions, and you can opt out for 5 years or for life.  Next, it takes a little work with our at home printers but it can save a lot of paper if you print on both sides of the copy paper.  Here in the U.S. we use approximately 4 million tons of copy paper per year, most of which is copied on one side only.  That averages out to about 27-30 lbs. per person per year.

You can keep a lot of dirt, pesticides, and germs from entering your home and causing allergies or illness, just by taking your shoes off outside your door.  Something else to consider is to drink hormone free milk. It’s a healthier alternative. Thank goodness it’s the time of the year to start enjoying the wholesome freshness of the farmers markets for fresh fruits and veggies.  Here’s to your health and your wallet.

For several years the EPA ( Environmental Protection Agency), most large businesses, and power companies have been feverishly promoting the sales and usage of compact  fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). They are a great way to save money and energy, while fighting global warming.

The drawback is, these bulbs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing.  The small amount being about 5 milligrams ( equal to the tip of a ball point pin). Mercury is the essential component that allows CFLs to be an efficient light source.  It should be noted that it would take 100 CFLs to equal the mercury found in an old fashioned thermometer.  The bulbs themselves pose few risks, unless of course, they break.  Normally,there is very little risk of airborne mercury exposure.  It is when we find mercury deposits in lakes and oceans, that then find their way to the fish we eat, that the problem arises.  The most common pathway for human exposure to mercury is from eating fish.

Companies and the federal government have not yet come up with easy or effective ways for Americans to recycle these bulbs.  While most people want to recycle, if it is not easy or convenient, it doesn’t happen at all.  Currently, even though CFL bulbs contain mercury, using them emits less mercury into the environment than its predecessor the incandescent bulbs.  They use 70% less heat, which makes them safer to use, and they save you $30 or more in energy costs per bulbs lifetime.

The EPA is working hard to find a solution that works for the retailers and the consumer to recycle the product.  IKEA is the only retailer accepting the bulbs for recycle at this time.  Others such as Wal-Mart and General Electric are considering what they can do to help.

Here are a few tips on how to dispose of a broken bulb.  Vent the room for at least 15 minutes. If you have an HVAC system, turn it off.  On hards surfaces, scoop up glass fragments and powder and place in a glass jar with a metal lid, or a sealed plastic bag.  Use duct tape to pick up any remaining fragments and powder.  Wipe the area with damp paper towels and place them in the jar or plastic bag.  Do not use a broom or vacuum on hard surfaces.  Follow the same steps on carpet.  Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and clean the canister).  Place the debris in a sealed plastic bag.  Check with local or state governments about disposal requirements in your area.  Laws may vary in different states.  Consumers can contact their local or municipal solid waste agency directly for proper disposal options.  Or go to www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling or www.earth911.org for your local recycling options.