What type of earth week activities are you participating in this year? Earth Day and the week leading up to it is a great time to start changing behaviors in your life that will make our planet a healthier place to live. Even if you have never thought about helping out our environment in the past or have been participating in green living initiatives for years – there is always some other behavior in your life that can be altered to benefit our planet. These changes in your lifestyle don’t have to be drastic shifts in how you live. You will find that once you change a behavior that it isn’t so bad.

Did you know that there are a ton of earth week activities that you can start in and around your home that will also save you money? Some activities are free while others may come with a small upfront cost. Many of these lifestyle changes that come with a cost can be recouped in monthly utility bills in a matter of a few months. Once you are back to break even, the savings can really add up!

Here is a list of 10 excellent earth week activities that you can start today!

1. CFL Lighting – Replace older light bulbs with CFL or LED bulbs on light fixtures that stay on for long periods of time. Using these types of bulbs is a great way to save money on utility bills. These light bulbs cost more than traditional bulbs but don’t need to be replaced as often.
2. Low Flow Shower Heads – Install low flow aerators and shower heads in your home. For a few dollars you can replace these items which will lower your water consumption. You should see a return on your costs in a few months from your water bill by installing these items. This is a great idea for people with children who tend to turn the water on full blast and waste a lot.
3. Stop Buying Bottled Water – Purchasing bottled water is a convenience for most people but should be avoided if possible. Try filling reusable containers with tap water and leaving them in your fridge as an alternative. Using tap water instead of purchasing bottled water at the store can cut down on your grocery bill while reducing the amount of trash we produce.
4. Start a Garden – Starting a garden with your family can be a great learning activity for young children. It is also a way to cut down on the money you spend on fruits and vegetables at your local grocer. What a great way to help the environment!
5. Use Ceiling Fans – Using ceiling fans in the summer and winter months for climate control is a great way to manage home energy expenses. Running ceiling fans in the summer for example can reduce the amount of time your air conditioner is running which lowers your energy consumption and your monthly bill.
6. Thermostat – Install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home. Set the thermostat to adjust for times when you are not in your home or while you are sleeping.
7. Organic Pest Control – Implement an organic garden pest control program at home. Growing organic vegetables is great for our environment and your body. Because this type of activity requires more manual intervention, you won’t be spending as much on harmful pesticides and fertilizers in your garden. Growing an organic garden at home will also reduce your grocery bill.
8. Start a Compost Bin – Start a compost bin at your home. You can probably find materials around your home and in your garage to build a compost bin. Having your own compost reduces the amount of trash you put in a landfill and saves you money on gardening supplies.
9. Lower Hot Water Heater – One of the easiest earth week activities is to turn the thermostat on your hot water heater down to a safe temperature. The Department of Energy recommends setting your hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Turning your water heater down will cut back on energy consumption and lower your utility bills.
10. Ride Your Bike – Start riding your bike to work or school. Riding your bike instead of driving or using public transportation cuts back on harmful emissions in our air, saves you money on gas and fares, and is a very healthy activity. Be sure that you are safe and have the correct protective gear before deciding to make this switch.

The list of earth week activities above are only a few ways that you can save money and help our planet around your home. Start thinking about small changes in your life that you can make to help reduce the money you are spending and can help make our planet a better place to live.

What earth week activities are you planning on participating in?

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2. 4 Easy Ways to Save Money and the Environment
3. Inexpensive Family Activities

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