Contrary to popular belief, going “green” does not mean that you have to make big investments with your time or with your money. Making some simple changes to your house, can reduce your energy costs and benefit the environment. Continue reading to learn how you can use green energy and help our environment.

When it’s hot outside, wear clothing made of natural materials rather than running the air conditioner. Fabrics, such as cotton, draw the moisture further from your skin and let it stay cooler. Wear light colors because these will make you warmer and it will be less likely for you to use artificial cold air.

Try to use cold water for washing clothes. The majority of energy use from washing clothes is in the heating of the water. As long as the washing detergent you use is reliable, using cold water instead of hot water will wash your clothes just as well. Additionally, do not run the washer until it is full so as to maximize your energy use.

Think about heating your water with solar water heaters. If you live in an area where freezing temperatures are unlikely, you can purchase systems that circulate water through solar heating systems before pumping it inside for use. However, you should still have a traditional water heater as backup for times when the sun won’t come out or if you’re going to be using a lot of hot water.

Solar energy can provide cheap hot water. Upgrade your hot water system to one that’s solar-powered. You have the choice for an indirect or direct circulation system. For colder regions,indirect is a better option.

When you are installing a solar energy system, you want to be sure the batteries you will be using to store the solar power are situated as close to the solar cells as possible. Doing so removes the chance of lost energy. It also reduces the chances of the cable shading the cells and reducing their generation capability.

Anyone can see benefits from using green energy, even if they don’t believe global warming is harmful. It saves money on electrical costs, just by a few changes like turning off the light when the room is empty.

There are tremendous opportunities for small businesses and social entrepreneurs to support their communities through community foundations, donor advised funds and other means of giving back. Find the neighborhoods in
Hartford, Connecticut
where you can make the most impact on civic engagement in the community.