Four Tips For Reducing Your Carbon Footprint In The New Year

December 06 2012

There's no better time to make a change than in the new year, which is why so many people create resolutions. One idea you might want to consider to reduce your monthly bills and ease your conscience is going green. Whether you've been looking for a reason to install radiant floor heating or a new energy efficient dishwasher, there's no better time to do so than now. Here are some green tips you can take into account after the clock strikes midnight and you begin a new, happy year.

1. Welcome radiant heat.
Infloor heating is one of the most efficient ways you can reduce your monthly expenses. This option not only provides you with warmth and comfort underfoot, but cuts your urge to crank your thermostat. By relying less on your home heating system and opting for radiant heat instead, you can save a substantial amount of cash.

2. Switch out your light bulbs.
You might've already heard of this option, but if you've been procrastinating on switching to compact fluorescent bulbs, you may be paying more for electricity than necessary. CFLs and LED lights can dramatically reduce your electric costs, and best of all, these bulbs tend to have a longer lifespan than standard incandescents.

3. Recycle whenever possible.
This one should go without saying, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that recycling and reusing can do wonders for the environment. Furthermore, you might even be able to get more use out of secondhand items that you give another try. Just remember to contact your local waste department to find out which items you can and can't dispose of with your weekly trash.

4. Turn off and unplug electronics when not in use.
Another tip that you've likely already heard of is turning off your electronics when they're not being used, but do you regularly unplug them? Removing them from outlets can reduce the amount of "phantom energy" that's lost when they're plugged in. Even when they aren't turned on, your electronics may be allowing energy to flow out of your home.

Whether you have a genuine interest in reducing the impact of your carbon footprint or you simply want to cut your monthly expenses, taking a few of these tips into account can make a big difference. At the end of the day, you can also gain peace of mind.