Green Living Is Good for the Environment and Your Pocketbook

Green living is not only an ethical choice for the environment but it is a great way to save money. Relatively small changes to your home can dramatically increase long-term savings by shaving off dollars from your monthly electric, water and other utility bills.

"Minor home improvements can create a more energy-efficient household," says Rick Plewa, Chief Sustainability Officer, Comerica Bank. "Simple things like turning off the lights when you leave a room or buying select green products have the potential to not only cut energy use and greenhouse emissions but also to pad your savings account."

Plewa recommends the following tips for creating a more energy- and water-efficient household:

Improve Home Insulation. Plug air leaks around the house to keep in cold air when it's hot out and vice versa. Add rubber stripping around doors and windows or caulking around smaller joints to cut down on energy waste.

Another way to enhance insulation is replacing windowpanes with double glass panels, which help keep temperatures stable inside.

Buy Green Appliances. Energy Star labels on refrigerators, microwaves, air conditioners and other home appliances indicate that the device is more energy-efficient and is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency. Televisions, refrigerators and even computers with this sticker are also greener.

Another point to note: Laptops use energy more efficiently than desktop computers.

Conserve Electricity. Plewa suggests people invest in compact, energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs as opposed to traditional incandescent bulbs. Individuals may also want to consider light sensors in rooms to which they may go briefly and then exit - such as the kitchen. The lights are left on for less time and know when to quickly switch off as they work by sensing body heat.

Try to Use Less Water. Most households have that one person who enjoys taking long, hot showers. Taking shorter showers can conserve significant resources over the long run. Everyone should try to keep their shower time below seven minutes. The water used in seven minutes under a low-flow shower head only fills up two-thirds of a bathtub and that, over time, yields a substantial savings of water and money.

If your toilet was installed after 1990, it is most likely a low-flow model. If it is older, consider having it updated as older models use up to 3.5 gallons of water per flush as opposed to the new low-flow models that use only 1.28 gallons.

Finally, you might be surprised to learn that using a dishwasher may actually be more environmentally friendly than cleaning dishes by hand.  If you do a full load that hasn't been pre-rinsed, you may use up to 35 percent less water.  And you can reduce the total dishwater energy use by about 15 percent by selecting the air-drying setting on your appliance.