Saving Money Still Trumps Green — Unless It’s DIY Green

It’s just like we’ve always said here at HouseLogic: Green living is great, but it’s even better when it saves you money, too. The New York Times yesterday reported that green fanciers are opting for — gasp — products that aren’t green because, frankly, they cost less.

But don’t count green out. You can still be green for less, often just by doing it yourself. The report said: “Activities like growing and canning food, raising chickens, and making your own clothes and other household goods … are now seen by many as a way to economize while staying true to green values.”

So we rustled up a list of some of the smartest things you can do as a home owner to be green and save green:

• Seal air leaks. Caulking and weather stripping needn’t cost a lot ($50-$350, depending on your home’s size). Don’t forget to seal leaks in basements and attics too. Combined with insulating your attic, you could reduce your energy bills by 10%.

• Curb your water usage by installing an aerator on your faucets. It costs about $3 at a hardware or home improvement store and reduces the flow rate without compromising your water pressure.

• Turn down your water heater. Every 10 degrees lower saves 3% to 5% on your bill. The sweet spot is 120 to 140 degrees. If the thermostat on your water heater doesn’t have a numbered gauge, put it midway between the “low” and “medium” marks.

• If raising chickens is your thing, check out our slideshow of chicken coops.

• And if that weren’t enough, here are 9 more energy and money savers.

What’s your best energy-saving tip?