LIVING GREEN – Your environment and your wallet

LIVING GREEN – Your environment and your wallet

0 Comments | Patriot Ledger, The; Quincy, Mass., Jul 18, 2009

Utility costs out of control?

Try these quick tips to save on your monthly energy costs:

Unplug chargers. They are using electricity as long as they are plugged in, even though not connected to a cell phone or computer.

Unplug TVs, cable boxes and sound components. They are partially “on” even when switched “off.”

Change the filter on the furnace blower often. A dirty filter reduces air flow through the ducts, making the equipment work harder.

Clean the air conditioner. A dirty outside coil has to be clean to function at maximum efficiency.

Find mulch in your backyard

Mulching is a great way to protect and nourish soil, but the best organic materials are free and can be found right in your backyard:

Grass clippings

Fall leaves or pine needles

Wood chips or sawdust

Straw or hay

Best buys in nutrition

Experts fear the recession will worsen Americans’ already bulging waistlines because healthy food often costs more than high-calorie fare. University of Washington researchers are analyzing which give the most nutrition for the price per portion
furnace duct cleaning