1. Ditch the bottled water and reconnect with your tap. According to the Food and Water Watch, plastic bottle production in the United States annually uses about 17.6 million barrels of oil, and 86 percent of those bottles end up in our landfills. The Environmental Protection Agency requires that all public water sources, including those in restaurants, are extensively tested for harmful contaminants. So start using a reusable water bottle because not only is tap water safe and healthy for all of us to drink, it's better for the environment as well.
2. Turn your computer off when you are not using it. The Daily Green magazine says that this simple tip could save you more than 90 dollars worth of electricity per year. Plug your computer into a surge protector that is easy to shut on and off because even when the computer is fully charged, the charger is still "phantom loading".
3. Switch your 75-watt incandescent light bulbs out for compact fluorescent bulbs. Compact fluorescent bulbs consume 75 percent less electricity and last 10 times longer than their counterparts. According to Better Homes and Gardens magazine, this simple switch could save you more than 83 dollars over the life of each bulb.
4. Wash your clothing in cold water. According to the World Watch Institute, heating water accounts for 85 percent of the energy used to complete a load of laundry. To save even more money, use a clothing rack or clothes line to dry your clothes. You will save yourself some green and green up the environment if you cut down on running your clothes dryer.
5. Support your local farmers and small business owners. According to a study done by the Hometown Advantage Organization, for every 100 dollars spent locally, 45 dollars remains in the community, boosting the local economy and creating jobs. You can locate your closest farmer's market by visiting www.getrealmaine.com!
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