5 green New Year’s resolutions


January 6, 2021 | 3min read

Happy new year! At long last, 2021 is finally here and that means it’s time for new year’s resolutions. Going green is the right thing to do for the environment, but did you know that it can also be the right thing to do for your wallet? Here are 5 green new year’s resolutions that can help save the environment and help make your bank account balance a bit greener!

1. Permanently ditch the commute

Many of us (the author of this article included!) have been working from home during the pandemic. If you are working remotely, why not ask your employer if you can make it permanent? Working remotely saves you time and money as well as cutting your carbon footprint.

2. Buy an EV or plug-in hybrid

EVs (electric vehicles) are cheaper to operate than fossil fuel-powered cars so you’ll save money every time you drive. Those savings can add up quickly! The author of this article drives a Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid, which has both a gas engine and a battery. Here’s how the cost of using each compares:

  • Battery – 10 kilowatt-hours capacity gives a 60-mile range.
  • Cost to charge the battery at $0.12 per kilowatt-hour = $1.20
  • Gas – 8-gallon tank gives 240 miles of range. 
  • Gas (91 octane) costs $3.20 per gallon = $25.60
  • 60 goes into 240 four times, so it takes 4 battery charges to get the same range as a tank of gas
  • 4 battery charges = $4.80 versus $25.60 for gas to go the same 240 miles

It costs a lot less to run on electricity than it does gas! There are also savings to be had on maintenance since electric motors don’t need tune-ups or oil changes.

3. Switch to a low meat diet

According to The Mayo Clinic, the Mediterranean diet is a heart-healthy diet. The diet consists of mostly vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats. There is only a modest amount of meat in the Mediterranean diet. Raising and processing livestock for consumption produces a lot of carbon and waste, so it’s green to eat less meat. Switching to the Mediterranean diet is also a way to save money in addition to your heart. Meat is more expensive than fruits and vegetables. Cut down your meat consumption and you will cut down your cholesterol levels and you’ll cut down on grocery expenses at the same time.

4. Upgrade to energy-efficient smart appliances

If you are billed for electricity using time of use or load demand billing, this resolution can save you a bundle! Energy-efficient smart appliances save energy when running. The smart part about these appliances is that they can also be told when to run so they don’t use electricity during peak rate hours. By using energy-efficient appliances you’ll reduce your carbon footprint, by using smart appliances, you’ll be able to tell your appliances when to run. 

For time of use billing, smart appliances enable you to avoid expensive peak rate hours. With load demand billing, you’ll be able to spread your use of electricity out so you don’t get hit with a high rate based on your peak load demand. The savings will add up fast. You may even be able to get rebates that reduce your cost when you buy energy-efficient appliances.

5. Go solar!

Going solar can save you tens of thousands of dollars on electricity over the 25+ year lifespan of a solar system. You’ll save money by using your own cleanly produced electricity and cut your carbon footprint. Added bonus, going solar also adds value to your home and may help it sell faster. You can go solar with confidence with Freedom Forever thanks to our 25-year performance guarantee.

Green new years resolutions are smart resolutions

What’s not to love about green new years resolutions? You can be a hero to the environment and your bank account by doing the right thing. The author of this article eats a Mediterranean diet and highly recommends it. As well as saving money, you may end up feeling healthier too. Here’s to a green new year!

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