Green Tech - Pick your green battles

Published July 15, 2009 at 6:48 p.m.

So, allow me to suggest that you focus your time and energy on some steps you can take which will benefit the planet and save you money:

• Eat less meat. Raising livestock is one of the most significant contributors to a long list of environmental problems from climate change to deforestation to water pollution. No one is suggesting you go vegan, but anything you can do to cut back on meat will make a big difference. Start by trimming down your portion size to about three ounces (the size of a deck of playing cards), suggests Aaron Huertas at The Union of Concerned Scientists.
• Take good care of your car. Tuning up your engine, replacing your air filters and motor oil regularly, and keeping your tires properly inflated will improve your car's fuel economy by 8% to 20%, according to Jenny Powers at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

 

• Make changes in how you do your laundry. Wash your clothes in cold water. Up to 90 percent of the energy used for washing clothing goes to heating water, according to the Department of Energy. Rack up even more savings by air-drying some of your clothing.

Want to do more (or something different)?

Anything you can do to drive less or more efficiently will make a difference. Bundle errands, shop online, walk, bike, and take public transportation whenever you can. Try carpooling or telecommuting once a week. When it's time to buy a new car, purchase the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the class of car you need.

There are countless ways you can save energy (and money) at home. Here's a short list of free and low-cost ways to make a difference (in order from least to most impact):

Add insulation to your attic

Seal large air leaks

Install a programmable thermostat

Use the energy-saving mode on appliances

Unplug an extra fridge

Turn out unneeded lights

Environmental journalist Lori Bongiorno shares green-living tips and product reviews. Her book, Green Greener Greenest: A Practical Guide to Making Eco-smart Choices a Part of Your Life is available on Amazon.com.