lifestyle

Go green

These days, consumers have many choices when they are thinking about the possibility to “go green”. Prices have dropped considerably on many green products, making them more affordable. With the economy the way it is today, many green choices can also save you considerable money in the long run.

To save money and be green, remember the “Four R’s”: reduce, reuse and recycle, and research. Research is important before buying anything. Find out how committed to the environment a company really is, then prioritize and balance what you’ve learned according to your needs.When making a purchase, you should think about these two important things: the process by which the item is manufactured and what happens when it dies (will it be biodegradable or recyclable?) This is called "cradle to cradle"-- and “lifetime value assessment..” If you spend more money initially, will it save you money in the long run?

Here are a few simple steps you can take right now to make your world, and therefore the world around you a little greener.

1. Get an energy audit conducted on your home. It’s free and could save you money on your monthly electric bill. Call 1-800-DIAL FPL or visit www.fpl.com

2. Replace older appliances; they are costing you money. Consider “Energy Star” models, or super-efficient appliances. The Super-Efficient Home Appliance Initiative was launched in 1997 to stimulate the sales of highly efficient appliances. You can find a list of these appliances on www.cee1.org

3. Induction cook tops cook faster using less energy. General Electric’s Trivection ovens cook three to four times faster, creating less heat in the house. Trivection technology combines radiant heat, convection and microwave energy for cooking. Go to www.geappliances.com. Other options: Electrolux 36-inch hybrid induction cooktop, stainless, model EW36CC55GS. Available at Lowe’s.GE Profile 30-inch built-in double oven with Trivection technology: GE Profile model JT980. Available at Home Depot, Sear’s Best Buy, Sam’s Club and Lowe’s. Or go to geappliances.com

4. Use smaller appliances when preparing small amounts of food instead of heating a large oven. Learn to use a pressure cooker; they’re safe and no longer explode.

5. Plan meals so you cook several things at once.

6. Buy locally grown produce. You’ll save in transportation costs and you get better tasting food with more nutrients.

7. Change incandescent light bulbs to LED or fluorescents and put dimmers on all your light fixtures.

8. Run your dishwasher, washing machine and dryer only when they are full.

9. Remove lint from the dryer after every load.

10. Better yet, if you live where you can have a clothesline, hang your clothes out to dry. Nothing smells or feels better than line-dried sheets.

11. If you have a fireplace, keep the glass doors closed. You lose more heat than you gain if you leave them open.

12. Think solar. Install a solar water heater for your home and pool.

Doing these things and more can save considerable amounts of money and considerable amounts of energy.