Save money on energy while preserving vulnerable earth resources.
Energy conservation and saving the environment are high on the list of priorities for people in the mountains of Western North Carolina. More specifically, it’s what’s important to Ashevilleans.
GoPrime Mortgage, Inc. . (dba PrimeRate Mortgage Lending, Inc.) also believes in conserving our natural resources. With an office on the main drag in West Asheville, not far from his home or his children’s school, Zachery “Zack” Adam of Prime saves money on energy by walking as much as possible in the neighborhood and bringing green practices to his home and office. Zack believes that it’s not only good for our wallets, but it’s also the right thing to do.
Recycle and Reuse
Since energy is produced from fossil fuels, it’s expensive to produce, especially when you factor in the environmental costs. You can save money on energy every time you recycle and reuse some materials. It takes less energy to collect, transport and process recycled goods than it does to do the same with raw materials — leading to less fossil fuel contamination.
Manufacturing gets a big bang in the energy savings department due to recycling too. For example, in 2005, according to Recycle Indiana, “recycling of municipal solid waste in America reduced manufacturing energy use by more than 988,489,000 million BTUs, enough energy to power 10,721,139 homes.” Additionally:
- Recycling paper leads to a 50 percent reduction in energy use
- One pound of recycled steel saves enough energy to power a 60-watt lightbulb for 26 hours
- One ton of recycled glass equals about nine gallons of saved fuel oil
- Recycling just one aluminum can saves energy to light a 100-watt lightbulb for more than three hours
Do Your Part
Finding ways to recycle, reduce and reuse products and power in your home help make the planet cleaner and safer. And while you may not think that your one aluminum can won’t make a difference, imagine if everyone felt that way. And it doesn’t have to be a burden, especially when you consider how you can save money on energy by doing your part.
7 Home Energy Conservation Tips
Take these seven energy conservation tips to the bank, while making your home more energy efficient:
- Wash your clothes in cold water. Save money on energy by reducing the amount of electricity you need to heat your water, netting you an extra $63 a year on average.
- Lower your water bills every month. Make a big environmental impact by installing low-flow showerheads and faucets.
- Cut heating and cooling bills. Lower your usage at your home and office by almost 20 percent by sealing leaks and using proper insulation.
- Lower your heating and cooling costs. Make a big impact in your bills simply by lowering shades and closing curtains to keep out the high noon sun in summer. Conversely, leave them open in the winter to get some of the free heat from the sun.
- Save money on energy. Save as much as 30 percent on your electrical bill if you buy halogen, CFL and LED lightbulbs.
- Conserve energy around your house. Turn off electronic devices when you’re not using them, including lights, computers, TV sets and charging stations.
- Make lifestyle changes to use less electricity. Cut showers short by a few minutes and hang clothes outside to dry. Save money on energy, reduce your carbon footprint and feel great about your contribution.
