Save the planet and some money

If you make a conscious effort to treat every day as Earth Day, you will be doing your part to save the planet and will save some money along the way.

There are some simple things you can do to help reduce energy consumption and reduce your household expenses. 

Here are some tips offered by BMO Bank of Montreal, a company dedicated to becoming a leader in environmental sustainability.

At home or at the office, print on both sides of the paper and set up a scrap paper bin where you can reuse the sheets instead of throwing them into the recycling bin with just one line of print on them. Not only are you saving trees and the amount of waste, but you are saving money by using less paper.

And don't forget to switch off the power on your electronics and your light switches when not in use.

Choose light coloured window coverings to reflect heat away from the house. And in the warmer months, open your windows and screen doors to allow for a cross breeze to circulate through your home.

Instead of power-hungry air-conditioners, make use of ceiling fans and portable fans which use less energy but produce good air circulation.

Use a programmable thermostat in your home which can be scheduled to turn on during the times you are home. Limiting the time when your furnace is running is one of the most effective ways to keep heating and cooling costs down.

Reduce activities that create humidity in your home such as washing and drying clothes, showering or cooking and make sure you turn on a ventilating fan during these activities.

Plant well-placed trees or shrubs to create shade around your house. This in fact can reduce cooling costs by almost 25 per cent.

Just remember...a little goes a long way in helping the environment and helping you save money.

By Donna Donaldson, MSN Money

Do you try to save energy and the environment in your every day life? Do you have other tips that help reduce energy consumption and your household expenses?