Tips To Make Your Home More Eco- And Budget-Friendly

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Tips To Make Your Home More Eco- And Budget-Friendly (NAPSA)—Making eco-friendly choices may not only help the planet, it might help you save some cash. What’s more, you don’t need to spend lot for a dramatic difference. Small changes can help you save money and you can find just about everything you need— from energy-efficient light bulbs to biodegradable cleaning products—to help get you started at retailers such as Target. Try these tips for a more energy-efficient and economically smart home: Switch to energy-efficient LED lights. They last 100 times longer than traditional incandescents. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use about two-thirds less energy, last up to 10 times longer than their incandescent cousins and there are dozens of options. Put a lid on it. Save energy while cooking. Covering pots with fitted lids uses energy moreefficiently. Also, contain the heat by using cookware that’s the same size as the burner. Reheat leftovers in the microwave, as it con- sumes less energy than a fullsized oven. For a time-saving and energy-efficient meal, break out the Crock-Pot and let dinner simmer during the day. This requires less energy than cooking across several burnersor in the oven. * Unplug televisions and other electronic devices such as DVD players, toaster ovens and mobile phone chargers when they’re not in use. Electronic devices draw energy even when they’re turned off or in standby mode. For convenience, plug electronics into a power strip. One switch cuts down on power and reduces yourenergy costs. * Use cold water to clean yourclothes. Also, don’t overload the dryer. Clothing will take longer to dry and come out wrin- A few simple steps such as recycling plastic bottles can help you improve the ecology and your own economy. kled. Consider hanging clothing on a drying rack or line-drying them outside on warm days. For an eco-friendly fresh scent, use products from the Method collection, available at Target, that contain naturally derived, biodegradable ingredients that won’t harm your clothes or the environment. * Cool off. During colder months, switch the thermostat to 68 degrees while sleeping or when away. Install a programmable thermostat to automatically raise and lower temperatures. Move the thermostat to an inside wall away from windows and doors, so the heating system is not responding to drafts andcycling unnecessarily. Get in the (low) flow. Faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads such as the Evolve Water Lily Showerhead will significantly decrease the amount of water you use and you won’t feel a drop in pressure. They're inexpensive, simple to install and you use less water so there’s less water to heat. A full 1-liter water bottle or brick in the toilet tank can minimize the amount of water used for a flush. For more tips on how to make your home eco-friendly and to read about the Target commitment to a better environment, visit Target.com.

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