Evelyn Bruder’s Dream Team blog

The very next day, I received a list of “consumption statistics” via my RSS feed, essentially detailing how wasteful we can be without even realizing it. According to the article I read, the average US citizen consumed 575 liters of water per day in 2008. When the numbers stand alone, it doesn’t seem so bad, right? However, if you look at other parts of the world, we Americans seem a little extravagant. In 2006, China’s average water consumption per day, per person was approximately 86 liters.

I read through the whole list and found myself a little startled by the numbers and facts presented to me. I’ve never been one to focus on the negative side of anything, so rather than chronicling all the things we might be doing wrong, I decided to write about the things we can do to make our planet a little bit nicer for generations to come.

Going green and saving money really do go hand in hand! I’ve organized this list to help you and your family make a difference without breaking the bank.

1. Unplug it! Look around the room you are sitting in. How many electronics are plugged into the wall, absorbing electricity and sitting dormant? If you looked at your kitchen, I’ll bet your toaster, coffee maker, and microwave are all plugged in even when they’re not in use. Try unplugging all the appliances and electronics that you use least often; the toaster, lamps, phone chargers, computer chargers, DVD players, and so forth. You’ll be amazed at how big of an impact it will make on your bills and the planet.

2. Recycle! This is truly the most beneficial, convenient, and easy way to help Mother Earth. Separate trash cans for recyclable and non-recyclable materials to help your family get into the habit of dividing up their trash. If you don’t know where your local recycling plant is located, most city homepages have a section with all the information you need. If you live in the Las Cruces area, click here.

3. Switch to Energy Efficient Light Bulbs! These special compact fluorescent light bulbs cost about $1 more than the usual incandescent bulbs, but last up to ten times longer. They typically pay for themselves in about six months and can save you $30 over the course of their lifetime. They can be found at any grocery or hardware store.

4. Try a Clothesline! If you have two trees, a basketball hoop, or any kind of pole or post in your backyard, setting up a clothesline for the summer months is incredibly easy. You can purchase a clothesline, or any kind of pliable, soft wire, at any home store. With a clothesline, a pair of pliers, and clothespins, you’re all set up to utilize the heat and the bright summer sun. You’ll be amazed at how much your energy bill drops when you rarely use your dryer, especially in the summer when the rate for electricity skyrockets. If you feel like getting handy and making a more permanent fixture, this site can help you put it all together.

5. Make a big investment! If you’re fortunate enough to be in a solid financial position to make a big purchase, why not rethink your water-guzzling dishwasher or washing machine? Big chains like Sears and Best Buy have employees that can tell you all the benefits of buying the new, “green” models of such appliances and how to reap in the benefits to get the most bang for your buck. If you’re gearing up to buy a new car, talk to your auto dealer about bio-diesel, hybrids, and MPGs to ensure you’re going to be getting a big return on gas spending while still minimizing your carbon footprint.

In essence, I want to make sure that I do my part to make this planet just a little bit better for everyone, especially those to come. I have enjoyed so much of my time just soaking in all the wonders that this planet offers to us; every day before I go to work I look up at the Oregon Mountains and think, Wow. So every time I help a young, budding family secure their future by buying their dream home, I want to know that their kids are going to enjoy this wonderful place as much as I did and continue to do.

The original article and statistics can be found here.

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Tags:eco-friendly, going green, helpful hints, Helping our Planet, las cruces homes, laundry, Things to do around you home