Go Green, Save Green - Big Y® World Class Market®

Saving money while you help save the planet

Most people think that living an environmentally friendly lifestyle means making many sacrifices. Sacrifices in comfort, convenience and money. In reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Saving the earth can help save you money, and most of the changes you can make are easy fixes that you’ll barely even feel. Here are a few of our favorite suggestions.

What to Do:	It’s Good For:	Your Initial Cost:
Light Bulb
Change your lightbulbs from incandescent to compact fluorescent bulbs.	Saving electricity. Compact fluorescent lightbulbs use 75 percent less electricity and last up to 10 times longer than traditional lightbulbs —around 51⁄2 years per bulb.	Between $3-$10 per compact fluorescent bulb In a Year, You’ll Save*: $35, assuming you keep your lights on about four hours a day
Thermostat
What to Do:	It’s Good For:	Your Initial Cost:
Adjust your thermostat - keep it cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer.	Lowering overall demand on energy for home heating and cooling.	No cost; just toss on a sweater when it’s cold outside! In a Year, You’ll Save*: Between 5% to 10% on your heating bill
Plastic Water Bottle
What to Do:	It’s Good For:	Your Initial Cost:
Drink tap water instead of bottled.	Reducing waste — you won’t be contributing those plastic bottles to landfills.	None, unless you want to buy a filter for your faucet at a cost of around $30 In a Year, You’ll Save*: Up to $1,250
Power Strip
What to Do:	It’s Good For:	Your Initial Cost:
Pick up some power strips for your electronics and turn off the switch when you turn off your TV, computer, DVD player, stereo, etc.	Amazingly, about 75 percent of the electricity used by items in our homes is consumed when they’re plugged in and turned off! Using a smart power strip will save electricity by ensuring the power stops at the strip.	Between $5-$25 per strip (most power strips will accommodate at least five plugs) In a Year, You’ll Save*: Up to $100
Speed Limit
What to Do:	It’s Good For:	Your Initial Cost:
Stick to the speed limit when you drive — and don’t floor the accelerator.	Saving gasoline. For every five miles per hour over 60 you drive, you’ll lose around 1⁄5 of your car’s efficiency — that’s like paying 24 cents more per gallon of gas. The same goes for rapid acceleration, which can also significantly reduce your gas mileage.	None In a Year, You’ll Save*: Between $500-$600 - the more you drive the more you’ll save
Clothes Dryer
What to Do:	It’s Good For:	Your Initial Cost:
Clean out your dryer’s lint trap and don’t overdry your clothes.	Saving energy and reducing costs.	None In a Year, You’ll Save*: $70 if you do both
Paper Bag Lunch
What to Do:	It’s Good For:	Your Initial Cost:
Pack a lunch to take to work instead of ordering takeout.	Reducing waste (no more plastic or Styrofoam® takeout containers).	Because you will buy more groceries to make your lunches, you might see an increase in your weekly grocery bill. In a Year, You’ll Save*: At least $1,500, depending on the cost of your lunches
Dimmer Switch
What to Do:	It’s Good For:	Your Initial Cost:
Install dimmer switches on lights throughout your home.	Saving electricity; dim your lights by half and you’ll use less energy while creating an inviting atmosphere.	From $5-$15 per switch In a Year, You’ll Save*: Up to $40
Weatherstripping Windows
What to Do:	It’s Good For:	Your Initial Cost:
Put weatherstripping on drafty doors and windows.	Reducing demand for heating and cooling.	Between $5-$20 In a Year, You’ll Save*: Around $30
Cold Water
What to Do:	It’s Good For:	Your Initial Cost:
Wash your clothes in cold water.	Saving energy - up to 90 percent of the energy used in washing clothes comes from heating water.	None In a Year, You’ll Save*: At least $40
Hot Water
What to Do:	It’s Good For:	Your Initial Cost:
Adjust the temperature on your hot water heater.	Reducing energy demand.	None In a Year, You’ll Save*: $20 to $50
Automobiles Tires
What to Do:	It’s Good For:	Your Initial Cost:
Keep the tires on your car properly inflated.	Gas mileage - keep your tires at the right pressure and gain 3 percent more fuel efficiency.	None In a Year, You’ll Save*: About $20 to $50

*Actual amounts you may save per year are approximate and may vary based on a number of factors.