Save money, go green

Your business and the environment have something important in common – they’ll both benefit from efficiency.

You’ve watched the documentaries, seen the news reports and read the articles. You’re convinced that the climate change crisis is real and you’re ready to do something about it. And you can - there are so many changes you can make, at home and in your business to help save the planet. The bonus? You might save yourself a little money too!

  • Turning down the thermostat on your heating and water heater by just one or two degrees can result in big savings when it comes to CO2 emissions—not to mention your bank account. Want to save even more? Put proper weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows and you can reduce your heating bills by up to 25%.
  • Your computer, television and other electronic devices will continue to use energy even if they’re turned off. Unplug things such as your cell phone after it has finished charging and turn off power bars that connect to multiple electronic devices.
  • Obviously the less you drive your vehicle, the better. But just making a habit of checking your tire pressure regularly can make a big difference too. Under-inflated tires reduce fuel economy which then leads to higher CO2 emissions.
  • Consider purchasing a greener vehicle, for your family or your business. A typical SUV uses almost twice the fuel – and releases nearly twice the emissions – of a modern station wagon, although both have the same number of passengers. Hybrid cars are a more environmentally-friendly option. Hybrids have both an electric motor (powered by batteries) and a conventional internal combustion engine. The batteries help power the vehicle and are recharged by capturing energy during braking.