Greening in and around your home
Every day, you can take any of dozens of simple steps you can to reduce your impact on the environment and such measures dont have to break the bank.
From changing light bulbs to buying more efficient appliances, you can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions -- and while you might have to spend extra money now, you often save money in the long run.
Here are just a few examples of how much you might expect to spend on measures to cut the CO2 emissions associated with many everyday activities.
Free, or almost free
Compost grass clippings and other biodegradable items at home. Buying packaged compost can cost $2 to $5 and usually uses plastic packaging. A heap tucked away in the backyard costs nothing.
Keep your vehicle tires properly inflated.
Try lemon juice or baking soda to clean kitchen spills, dissolve grease, and reduce stains and smells.
Pack school lunches in reusable containers. The average-sized elementary school generates more than 18,000 pounds of lunch waste in a school year, says Friends of the Earth.
Join a group. Cooperative efforts raise awareness, gain political clout and ultimately make a difference. Local groups engage in activities ranging from roadside cleanup, recycling, tree planting and more. Cant find one? Start one.
Less than $100
Once a week, buy a bus fare to work or shopping. The average 12-mile daily commute generates 2,750 pounds of CO2 annually. Just cutting back once a week saves 550 pounds.
Buy a tap-water filter that eliminates lead and other contaminants. Then drink tap instead of bottled water to help eliminate waste associated with single-use plastic bottles, only 10 percent of which are recycled each year.
Less than $500
Stop your heating bill from literally going through the roof. Adding insulation yourself saves money in the long run. A professional job may yield even more savings, but costs more up front.
Check with your local utility to see if you have an option to buy renewable energy from sun, water or wind.
More than $500
Install solar panels to cut carbon emissions and overall energy bills. As panels become less expensive, they will pay for themselves over a few years. And you may be eligible for tax credits. To check: dsireusa.org
Use environmently friendly construction materials in building or remodeling a home. Green builders are proliferating and standards and practices are available online.
Mike Stark is a reporter for the Billings Gazette in Montana, 406-657-1232,
mstark@billingsgazette.com
