Saving A Buck, Saving The Planet, And It Is Painless

Solar power is awesome. If you can tap into it, either at home from your own personal panels, or in the grid, it is the ultimate of being green. The up front cost is expensive, although much less than even five years ago, is still a bit dear. Paying for "green" energy through your electric power company is also at a premium as well.

So, how can we be green, and also save a buck, too?

I think I have found a couple of answers.

Over the last year, or so, we have switched out our incandescent light bulbs for those new, curly-que fluorescent light bulbs. We've changed out most every light in the house, and only have a few more to do. Over the last year more varieties of the low energy bulbs have come on the market. They are smaller, come in 3-way varieties, different color temperatures for different types of light, and there are varieties that will even fit those little light sockets in your chandeliers. One problem is that they don't work with dimmers, so those lights over the dining room table have to have some additional thought put into it. Over the past year, as we have increased the number of low wattage , our electric bill has decreased, as did our "carbon footprint". We save anywhere from $20.00 to $40.00 each month now, and we are trying for more, much more.

Yesterday, I read an article in the Worcester Telegram (click here). A local company, Easy Energy of Massachusetts, buys energy from an energy pool, and resells it. The cost is lower than what is offered by National Grid, but National Grid will distribute the power to you, and will still answer calls for issues, and power outages. Expect to save 6 to 15 % off your monthly electric bill.

That was good enough for me. No fees, no contract, no nothing. Just sign up, and begin saving in a couple of meter readings.

Both of these actions are painless, and result in significant savings. Savings, and using less electricity all within our power without installing a wind farm in the backyard, or drilling for geothermal. A great way to start, and painless.

I like painless.

Conquering the battle against high energy costs has to start at home, and starting with saving electricity, and the amount one pays for it, is key, but how about saving money, and being eco-friendly in regards to heating your house? Well, that is something I've been fortunate enough to do for some time, and not by heating the house with wood pellets, either.

I'll share that with you next time, and you won't believe how simple it is.