Celebrate Earth Day All Year Long

You’ve probably heard a lot about eco-friendly products and practices this month. But, how can you make greener choices that are budget friendly and help to save money all year long? 

It’s not too late to start making improvements in your everyday lifestyle and purchases that will benefit the environment and your budget, too. 

Here are a few ideas that you can start incorporating today and throughout the year:

• Use the Internet. Pay your bills online. You’ll save postage, reduce your paper clutter and save trees in the process. Read magazines and catalogs online, too. 
• Consider your health, the environment and clean green.  Make your own cleaning solutions or choose concentrated biodegradable solutions where you add water. You’ll save money and reduce the overabundance of plastic containers in our landfills. For those with health considerations, such as those with asthma, choose products that are certified by theGREENGUARD Institute regarding acceptable indoor air quality standards. Be sure to inquire about low VOC, short for volatile organic compound, emissions. Many paints and window coverings such as solar and roller shades, panel tracks, and retractable screens made from Sheerweave or Mermet fabrics as well as some shutters and wood blinds are now available if you’re considering a new home improvement project.
• Choose products that are made with renewable or recycled resources.  Woven wood shades are currently a hot design choice trend. These shades are made from renewable crops, such as grasses, reeds, bamboo and jute. Certain wood shutters and wood blinds are made with wood obtained from a certified sustainable hardwood forest. 
• Save energy and save on utility bills. The Department of Energy reports that heating and cooling accounts for nearly 56 percent of the energy use in a typical American home, making it the largest energy expense in most households. Closing the window treatments in your home, particularly in south-facing and west-facing windows, blocks the sun and reduces heat gain. This allows your air conditioner to operate less during the summer. Some window coverings such as cellular shades and shutters prevent heat gain better than others.  Window film can reduce glare, heat and prevent UV damage potentially saving you thousands in replacing faded floors or furniture. 

Just remember small changes made throughout the year can help save our environment while saving your budget.  Let us all work towards a greener tomorrow.

The author, Elaine Trotter, is the co-owner of Budget Blinds of Greater Tampa located at 1208 W. Fletcher Avenue in Tampa.  Their digital "Point of Views" design guide can be viewed at budgetblinds.com/odg.