7 Ways To Go Green For Summer

By: Justin Cooper | News Channel 7
Published: July 11, 2010

GREENVILLE, SC --

Summertime is a season when energy use can really spike...especially with the hot temps and dry weather. But there are a few simple steps to stay green and save some cash.

Energy use is so important in the house. But did you know that 46 percent of your energy use is actually energy loss? We have seven simple ways to go green and save green.

We know it's hot in the summertime, but each degree you raise the temperature up during the summer will help you save three to four percent on your energy costs. And just by raising it two degrees, you will save 2000 pounds of co2. Plus, leave a fan on. That helps to save you money as well.

If you're cooking, make sure to use a lid before you do your cooking. That keeps the heat inside and also uses less energy to cook your meals. Plus, instead of a conventional oven like this, you want to use a crock pot or a microwave. That uses less CO2 and helps you go green and save green.

When you're doing your cleaning in the kitchen, instead of using traditional cleaning products that harm the environment, try some old fashioned methods like baking soda and vinegar. There are thousands of recipes online that will help you save the earth as well as saving a little cash.

Another easy way to go green and save green is to ditch the desktop and get a laptop. You will actually uses less energy and when you're done, make sure to shut it off.

On laundry day, another way to go green and save green is washing your clothes in cold water. That way, it will save you 80 percent of your energy costs and when you're ready to dry your clothes, hang dry them outside. 700 pounds of CO2 a year could be saved by doing just that.

Here's another easy way to save...switch from traditional bulbs to compact fluorescents. They will actually save you 60 percent of your energy costs and 300 pounds of CO2 a year.

When you're ready to hit the road and leave the house, make sure your tires are properly inflated. That will save you three percent on your energy costs and save 20 pounds of CO2 a year.