You can’t control the cost of living, but you can learn tips to lower your household bills. Gas, groceries, you name it—prices have gone up. If you’ve felt this pressure, you’re not alone. While we can’t control the cost of living, we can control how we live within it. Your home is the perfect place to start. The truth? You might have habits you don’t realize are there—and they’re costing you! Think about how many lights are on. Or the long showers you might take. Looking at things with a fresh perspective can be a game-changer. Sure, you can fix the big stuff—like purchasing energy-efficient appliances, repairing leaks, or doing an energy audit—but small changes can make a big difference too! There are many ways to be mindful about energy and electricity. You’ll save some money and make Mother Earth happy. A win-win. Try these tips:
Cool off. Lower your thermostat at night. Luckily, a cooler bedroom helps regulate body temp and helps us sleep better.
Unplug. Turn off lights in rooms you’re not using. You can also install light dimmers or switch to energy-efficient bulbs. Unplug appliances at night, like your monitor. Consider a power strip so you can turn off a few appliances at once.
Get smart about laundry. Only use cold water and only run full loads.
Consider air drying. Your dishes and your laundry—both can be dried for free.
Shorten your shower. Keep your rinse under 5 minutes to conserve water and shave dollars off utilities.
Be mindful about air. If you’re heating or cooling your home, make sure no open windows or doors are letting air escape.
Check filters. A clogged filter can make your furnace less efficient. Change filters at least twice a year so that your home is heated and cooled properly.
Although Earth Day is celebrated for one day each April, there’s something that we can all do every day to take care of our planet. To learn more ways to protect our planet, visit earthday.org and see how you can do more.
