Easy Actions that Will Save
Money as Well as Energy

Change two household bulbs to compact fluorescent lights (which can be recycled at Whole Foods, Home Depot, and some True Value stores); CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy and last ten times longer

On the highway, drive at least 5 miles under the posted speed limit; choosing 55 mph instead of 75 reduces the amount of gas you use by about 25 percent

Ask you local dry cleaner if you can recycle your wire hangers at their location. Some dry cleaners will even give you $0.05 per hanger off your dry cleaning bill.

When not in use, unplug any cords connected to electronics or that have power “bricks” (a box on the cord); these items consume energy the entire time they are plugged in

Buy a digital tire gauge in order to keep your car tires inflated to manufacturer’s recommended level of pressure; underinflated tires increase the resistance on the road, which uses more gas

Wash laundry in cold water; 90 percent of the energy used for your clothes washer goes toward heating the water

Adjust your thermostat by 2 degrees higher in the warm weather (if you have air conditioning) and 2 degrees cooler in the winter; you will save 6 percent on your monthly heating bill

Consider using public transportation or carpooling with friends, neighbors, or co-workers at least once a week; you will save on gas and save on parking

Take your own bags to grocery stores to pack your purchases (any kind—plastic, paper, or recycle tote bags); some stores will even give you a small discount off your grocery bill

Use your dishwasher instead of hand washing dirty dishes and save energy and money on both heating and water costs; the dishwasher uses 50 percent less energy to heat the water and 75 percent less water than washing by hand

Help us in our effort to make Boston the greenest city in the world. Please e-mail additional tips you have found useful to pam@connollyforboston.com. We will add the best strategies to our list.

“Easy Actions that Will Save Money as Well as Energy” are courtesy of westroxburysavesenergy.org.