There are many ways to make an effort toward saving the environment – buy and drive a hybrid vehicle, set up a solar power system in your home, etc. Of course, for many people, these examples are not reasonable. For many people buying a new car and solar panels costs too much money up front, even if it can save money in the long run.

However, you can save energy without spending a lot of money. In fact, by saving energy, you can save money in the long run.

Here are just a few low-cost examples of what you can do to start saving energy today:

• Driving– do not drive aggressively (rapid acceleration, braking, and speeding waste gasoline). Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned. Roof racks create drag and thereby lessen gas mileage – when you don’t need them, take tem off. Carpool. Complete regular maintenance checks. Combine errands into single trips. Don’t speed. Use the air conditioning sparingly.

• Washing – wait until you have a full load of laundry and a full load of dishes before you run your appliances. When it is warm out, hang your clothes out to dry. Air dry your dishes. Take short showers (and don’t take baths). Turn off the water while you are soaping up. Use a sponge and bucket to wash your car, using the hose only for the last rinse-off.

• Thermostats – lower your hot water heater thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter, set your heat thermostat to one degree lower (or as low as comfortably possible). Raise it in the summer. Even just a few degrees can make a big difference.

• Plugging in – either unplug your home electronics when not in use, or plug them into a power strip which you can simply turn off when the electronics are not being used. Even in standby mode, your equipment can use several watts of power. Use rechargeable batteries.

• Light Bulbs – here’s a bright idea: change your light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs. Even changing one much-used light can make a difference. And guess what? Once changed, it will be a very long time before you have to change it again.

• Windows – protect your house from heat by using window coverings. Keep curtains closed on south facing windows during the day during the summer. In the winter, keep said curtains closed at night and open during the day. Use storm windows during the winter. Check for drafts and fix them (using weather-stripping, etc.)

• Furnace – gas or oil furnaces must be cleaned and serviced at least once a year. Change the oil furnace filter.

• Energy Efficient Appliances– buy home appliances and electronics with the Energy Star label (which means they have met strict efficiency guidelines).

Know that there are many things that you can do besides the abovementioned tips. Also, know that by saving energy in your home and on the road, you will also end up saving money. You do not have to spend money to save money!