Smart Ideas for Saving Money While Helping the Environment

As a mom, you have a lot on your plate. It’s not surprising if you simply don’t have time to make changes to help the environment. But what if making those changes could also save you some cash? Luckily, there are several small things you can do at home to reduce your spending without taking up too much of your precious time. One of the first things to look into is getting a programmable thermostat. These are fantastic because they let you set the temperature based on your schedule to optimize your energy use while you’re away from home.

For example, if you lower the temperature in your home by 7 to 10 degrees when you’re away at work for eight hours, you can save up to 10 percent a year on your heating and cooling costs. This takes just a few minutes to set up, and if you get a smart thermostat, it’s something you can tweak any time on your smartphone. Because heating and cooling account for 48 percent of home energy use, you’ll be doing your part to reduce the 85 tons of CO2 pollution each year attributed to energy use in the home.

Additionally, if you have zone heating and cooling capabilities in your home, take advantage of them. There’s no reason to be heating or cooling places other than the bedrooms at nighttime. Other things you can do include making your own DIY cleaning solutions, switching to LED light bulbs, and installing water aerators. To learn more, check out the infographic below.