5 Projects That Will Cost You Less Than 50 bucks

[john]

[B]1.[/B] [B]Install aerators on faucets.[/B]
These screw-on mesh screens break up water drop*lets, so you use less water but get just as much rinsing power.

[B]2.[/B] [B]Clean your refrigerator coils.[/B]
If the refrigerator coils are coated with dust, they fail to transfer heat efficiently, so it takes up more than required energy to cool your food. Reach out to the coils (they're usually found underneath or at the back) with a long-handled brush.

[B]3.[/B] [B]Replace weatherstripping.[/B]
Over time, the seals around windows and doors wear out, letting in chill winter air and prompting you to crank up the thermostat.

[B]4.[/B] [B]Reduce light pollution.[/B]
Put a motion sensor on your all-night garage floodlight. Not only will you save electricity, you and your kids will get to enjoy one of early fall's greatest pleasures: a clear view of the night sky.

[B]5.[/B] [B]Clean green.[/B]
You don't need dozens of toxic products. Soap, baking soda, and vine*gar or lemon juice can take care of most household cleaning needs. For recipes, get the book Clean and Green, by Annie Berthold-Bond.

[tysookal]

Here is an article arguing for more government support for DIY green home projects:

People ‘need green home improvements support’
1st June 2010

Households hoping to take on DIY projects to make sustainable changes to their properties, perhaps using eco-friendly building materials, need government support, one expert has claimed.

Manchester City Council representative Nigel Murphy, speaking at the opening ceremony of the Greenbuild Expo at Manchester Central, said energy-saving home improvements are a priority.

"The start we have made in supporting homeowners and landlords to implement energy saving measures … is going to have to move to a whole new scale," he went on to say.

Mr Murphy added that this will enable people to save money on their fuel bills, while also contributing to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions across the UK.

The local authority has already launched its own green strategy plan, which the organisation noted is geared towards changing the behaviour of citizens to encourage them to support environmentally-friendly home improvements.

According to the body, it could help the city to save 350,000 tonnes of CO2 a year by 2020.

[Saffron]

Thank you for this, it is always the little things that get overlooked, but it is the little things that can save a lot of money for ourselves and also to be kind to our planet.

[Bobsthelast]

I'm trying to replace all of my incandescent lights as they burn out. The CFLs really do last longer even though they are more expensive. It seems like they give out more light too. I really love the small energy savers!

[Gottagetahybrid]

I have thought of putting foam board insulation on the back of the closet doors in order to avoid heating or cooling the closet spaces. Do you think this would work?

[Gordoness]

Nice I must admit. I can't decide which advice is more useful. I haven't tried the first two but I thoroughly practiced 3rd, 4th and 5th.

[tandy]

While you're cleaning the refrigerator coils, don't forget to do the same for anything to do with your heating and cooling systems. Dust along the heaters, radiators or the vents can reduce your heating output by up to 25%. Same for lightbulbs and lamps - clean the fixtures and dust the bulbs regularly and get more light from lower wattage.

[Green Scene]

Well, I'm 3.5 for 5. Once I get those refrigerator coils cleaned and find some recipes for the cleaning solutions, I'll be 5 for 5!

[One Earth]

I have to admit that I have never heard of "light pollution", but I get the concept. When we sold property, we stipulated that there could be no mercury vapor lights installed.

[Chris]

Lemon juice really does work wonders. If you cut a lemon in half and use it to lean your counter tops (wipe it up with water afterwards of course) it work really well. If you use a wood cutting board to chop garlic, the sent can be removed by rubbing half a lemon on it as well. It's real good for getting odors out.