Start at your local hardware store and purchase the energy saving light bulbs. The cost of the bulbs are 10 times higher, however, they pay for themselves in a year. Next, start turning your ceiling fans off when not in use – or do not use them at all – each will save roughly 7 dollars a month. (Fans only move air around anyway; they do not make it cooler or warmer in any room.) And a third small change: switch to a digital thermostat. The older models cannot regulate temperature as accurately. You will be surprised how the three small changes take little time to put into place and start having a positive effect on the environment - and your energy bill instantaneously!
Okay, so you have already made all of the above changes, realized how simple they were to complete, and are relishing the savings. Now what? Mulch! Your county waste center or local extension should be able to direct you on how to obtain free mulch. Free – yes, free! The mulch is created from the dumping of trees and various yard clippings taken to the local recycling site. The debris is then chipped up, placed in a pile, and awaiting any resident to pick up. Placing mulch in your plant beds not only assists with the reduction of waste entering our world’s landfills, but it also decreases your weekend sweat production through the reduction of the weed population in your plant beds, and aids the moisture content for the soil. Add in, you help to reduce the need to water your flora and fauna during drought and rainy periods because the mulch aids in retaining moisture. Also, if you do not have a truck which can haul your new endeavor, a nominal fee can be charged to your water bill and have it delivered to your door (or parking pad) waiting for your weekend project to begin.
Last but not least, while you were on the phone with your local extension finding about free mulch, ask about their rain barrel class. The cost is for materials only and averages $25 per barrel. Or you can search online; companies offer them for sale with prices varying from $20 - $100 each, pending on the size and color requested. The nifty device collects the rainfall and creates a free source of water for outside use and new plantings, which then adds to the savings on your water bills. (See the Green Community Calendar for rain barrel and other eco-friendly workshop dates.)
So add it up: with the new lighting, ceiling fans, digital thermostat, mulch, and the rain barrel around your home means you have just invested and produced more of a return (percentage-wise) than the stock market has in the last 3 years. Maybe money does grow on trees after all.
