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Affordable Ways to Live More Sustainably

Looking to go green without spending a lot of green? These low-cost measures are your ticket to sustainability at a sustainable cost.

Affordable Ways to Live More Sustainably

Published: 3/29/2024 8:31:32 PM

Looking to go green without spending a lot of green? These low-cost measures are your ticket to sustainability at a sustainable cost.

greenbargain

Sustainable living is often seen as friendlier to the environment than your bank account. Some projects, such as adding solar panels, do take a lot of green. Sustainability, however, doesn't have to leave you drowning in red ink. These low-cost projects (each about $200 or less) will help you cut energy costs and reduce your impact on the environment without building up a pile of debt.

Plant some shade

Planting leafy trees around the south and east side of your home can help cut cooling costs while contributing to the fight against global warming. In summer, the leaves provide cooling shade. In winter, the bare trees allow the warming sun to shine through, saving on heating costs. Trees also gobble up carbon dioxide.

Select fast-growing trees, such as maples, burr oaks and river birches. You can generally plant shade trees for less than $200, although costs vary depending on tree size and type. See Energy Saver 101 Landscaping from the U.S. Department of Energy for more information.

Start a compost bin

You may think of composting as dirty and smelly, but it creates a rich soil additive that can improve your lawn and garden while reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Good stuff to compost includes grass clippings, wood chips, leaves, house plants, fruits and vegetables.

You can purchase a compost bin for as little as $50, although larger bins with extra features will cost more. Or, build your own; all you need is lumber, hardware and a little time. See Composting at Home from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for more information.

Set up a rain barrel

Rain barrelLawn and garden watering make up nearly 40% of total household water use during the summer. A rain barrel collects water and stores it, providing a supply of soft water free of chlorine, lime or calcium.

A rain barrel can save you up to 1,300 gallons of water during the summer, according to the EPA. Rain barrels also divert water from storm drains, which decreases the impact of runoff to streams. Rain barrels typically cost between $100 and $200, although decorative models may cost more.

Hang a clothesline

Clothes dryers use a lot of energy, costing as much as $100 a year or more. Why not air-dry your clothes for free? Clotheslines use no energy and fresh air is easier on your clothing than the intense heat of the dryer.

Clotheslines are simple to make; just attach a line between two stationary objects. Clothesline kits are available for purchase. Retractable sets, which can be moved out of the way when not in use, are also available. The cost is typically less than $50.

You're off to a good start, but don't stop now. Remember to reduce, reuse and recycle. Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators to conserve water and save energy. By taking these actions, you'll be well on your way to a more sustainable lifestyle at a sustainable cost.

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Mississippi County Electric Cooperative

474 East State Highway 18
Blytheville, AR 72315

Office: (870) 763-4563
Outages: 1-800-439-4563

About Us

Mississippi County Electric Cooperative

Your local power provider, serving northern Mississippi County, Arkansas.  Please look around and discover all the things your co-op has to offer.

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Improving the quality of life for our members by providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity

 

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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Organization
      • Officers & Directors
      • Meet Our People
    • Touchstone Energy Cooperative
      • About Touchstone Energy
      • The Seven Cooperative Principles
      • The Cooperative Difference
      • Touchstone Energy
    • Documents
      • Annual Report
      • Bylaws
      • Privacy Policy
    • Community
      • Community Service
      • Employment
      • Service Area Map
  • Account Services
    • Account Service
      • New Account/Service
      • Levelized Billing
      • Automatic Bank Draft
    • Service
      • Stopping Service
      • Rates, Fees & Services
    • Benefits
      • General Information
      • Capital Credits
      • Payment Assistance
  • Member Resources
    • Information
      • What is Demand
      • Paying Your Bill
      • Reading Your Bill
      • Residential Energy Efficiency Resources
      • Call Before You Dig
      • 65+ or Handicapped
      • Sales Tax Exemption
      • FAQ
    • News
      • News and Events
      • Arkansas Living Magazine
    • Member Services
      • Co-op Connections Card
      • Together We Save
    • Exede/Wildblue Users
      • Exede/Wildblue Email
      • My WildBlue
    • Outage Tools
      • Outage Reporting
      • Outage Restoration
    • Communications Opt In/Out
      • Email Communications Opt In/Out Form
      • Load Management Communications
    • Recipes
    • Recommended Links
  • Products and Programs
    • Products
      • Internet Service
      • Compact Fluorescent Lights
      • Marathon Water Heaters
      • Heat Pumps
    • Programs
      • Green Power
      • Energy Audits
      • Security Lights
      • Youth Tour
    • SmartHub
      • Smarthub Account Management
      • SmartHub Pay Now
      • SmartHub - What is it? How do I get it?
      • FAQ's
    • Electrical Safety
      • Electric Safety and Efficiency
      • General Electrical Safety Tips
      • Kids Safety Tips
    • Activities
      • Safety Checklist
      • Safety Quiz
      • Safety Programs
  • Contact Us