5 Simple Ways to Save $$$ While Saving the Planet

Just last week after I explained to a new client that my business was formed by a mission to carry sustainable products, she told me she didn't believe in global warming. Hmmm, ok, well-I shut my mouth, made my eyes squint into their normal position and continued to show the products that she requested to see. It does still amaze me that people refuse to believe there is a problem in our over- populated, over-consumed world. Whether you believe in global warming or not this post may help save your small business or home money. Practically speaking you can save money and help to save the planet.

1) Turn off and unplug any electronic equipment when not in use.

Phantom energy loss is the loss attributed to energy usage when electronics are turned off but still plugged in. To understand phantom energy loss go to: http://http//www.cornhusker-power.com/04-30-09.asp.

2) Reuse paper: flip the white sheets over and use side two for printing, writing notes or lists, coloring pages for children, shred it and use for packaging or garden mulch

3) Refill printer cartridges: instead of buying new printer cartridges and throwing away more plastic into the landfills, have the old cartridges refilled which is less expensive than purchasing new cartridges.

4) Install aerators on all faucets: this is very inexpensive and can save a home approximately 13% in water reduction. We recently bought a lavatory faucet aerator and a kitchen faucet aerator at our local hardware store for less than $5.00 a piece. For more information: http://http//www.h2ouse.org/tour/details/element_action_contents.cfm?elementID=1D4BABB7-8E4C-4524-98836EECCC5AEE08&actionID=78FA9A8B-2756-4B2E-88D58A48310FAA76

5) Change light bulbs to CFL's. These bulbs are 4x more efficient than an incandescent bulb and will last 10x longer than incandescent bulbs. For more information: http://http//www.eartheasy.com/live_energyeff_lighting.htm

Here are 5 simple and inexpensive ways to reduce waste and save money for your small business or home. Please feel free to post your strategies to save money and resources.