Top 5 Going Green Money Savers

Top 5 Going Green Money Savers
Ways to Cut Back and Keep Bills Down
By Jessica Knoblauch

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Ah, summer. A time of heat waves, hot dogs and…home energy audits? Here are a few easy ways to lower your footprint and your bills.

1) Kill your lawn. Why break your back and the bank for short-lived greenery when you can have native plants that color your lawn and are already well-suited to the climate?

Naturescaping—landscaping with native plants—conserves water with minimal irrigation and preserves habitats by providing local plants, shrubs and trees for nearby wildlife. This growing landscaping practice cuts weed killer and fertilizer costs and eliminates the need for an expensive, gas-guzzling lawn mower. It also prevents the spread of invasive species, says Steve Adamson, founder of PlantNative.org, a native plant advocacy site.

2) Make your appliances work for you. Programmable thermostats cut down on electricity bills by eliminating unnecessary heating and cooling, all according to your preferences. For the ultimate in climate control, pair your programmable thermostat with the Honeywell Portable Comfort Control, a handheld, battery-operated device that allows you to adjust a room’s temperature without leaving your chair. The devices combined could save you nearly one-third on heating and cooling costs, which account for about half of your energy bill.

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