Going Green and Remembering the Basics.

Using green products can save you money, and your health. But be smart and balance your decisions. Forbes magazine recommends that you use biodegradable cleaners, but Consumer Reports does not rate them well overall. The idea is noble, but if you need to use more product, and throw away your clothes faster, it doesn't help your pocketbook. Using post consumer waste paper is one idea, but you can't often choose. Walmart doesn't ask you, and neither will your corner store. But if you can make the decision, consider using recycled material and advertising it. People do still care. Laws mandate that light bulbs that are CFL or LED translate how much energy you are saving. LED's are still too expensive for most tastes, but they will eventually come down, and until then, Wal Mart and Home Depot have high rated bulbs that are inexpensive. Energy Star ratings for appliances have gotten stricter, so keep looking at them. You can continue to look for the star, and it will guide you well. A new Dryer that got a good rating 5 years ago, might not pass muster today. Solar is coming into it's own, and you can have an investment that can pay for itself in 8 years or less, down from an average of 10 years just a few years ago. If you make any extra electricity, you can sell it back to the electricity company for a credit against your winter increased costs. No expensive batteries needed. Look for reviews such as the sandals4less reviews or the Green Maven Reviews to find eco friendly web sites as a matter of regular practice. Watch Vimeo or other sites like Youtube to do research. Utilize Green Web Hosting with a blue aligator at Hostgator. (I confess my preference is not so green focused Hostmonster though.)