Kelly's Healthy Home

I love to save money, who doesn’t!? And to save money and reduce my energy consumption- well that’s right up my alley!

Here area few simple, affordable and quick changes you can make this week:

1. Install low flow shower heads- These can be purchased for around $10 to $20 a piece and save you 25%–60% on your bill! https://energy.gov/energysaver/reduce-hot-water-use-energy-savings

2. Unplug appliances, phone charges, lamps, etc. Anything with a remote is said to use the most energy! Use surge protector and just flip it off when you leave the room and definitely unplug and turn down your hot water heater when going away for a few days.

Example: At 13 watts, a VCR consumes about 114 kWh per year. Assuming an electricity cost of 11 cents per kWh (your actual cost may be higher or lower, depending on your provider), the cost to power the VCR comes to about $12.53 per year, o
r just over $1 per month. When you think of it in those terms, it doesn’t seem like much. But consider that you may have as many as 20 or 30 other appliances using phantom power as well, and you can see how the numbers begin to add up. Read full article here>>http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/budgeting/how-much-save-unplugging-appliances2.htm

3. Make you’re own cleaners: DIY is all the rage- and non toxic chemicals is essential for a healthy home. Making your own every day cleaners saves money and your health! Many cleaning products can be made out of just vinegar, rubbing alcohol, baking soda and water. Here is some inspiration>> https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/green-living/natural-cleaning-recipes

4. Install a programmable thermostat to regulate your homes temperature. Set it to adjust temperatures for when sleeping, away at work and when at home. This is to ensure you’re not heating or cooling your home while no one is there! Here is helpful link to select the best thermostat for your needs>> https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=thermostats.pr_thermostats_features

5. As a vegan, I’m meatless every day however, I do realize that’s not for everyone. BUT I do believe going meatless even once day a week makes a difference to both your carbon footprint and wallet. Participate Meatless Mondays and you’ll see a savings in your grocery bill- I promise  you! Make a bean chili, hearty vegetable pasta or soup with sourdough bread and you’ll feel full and save cash.

I would love to hear what you have been doing and if you have additional simple tips we could implement today. Please comment below or email me directly at Kelly@PhillyLiving.com