Things You'll Need:
- Wood stove Hybrid car Solar panels Wind turbine Rain barrels
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Step 1
Update your heating system. Rather than using up gas or spending lots of cash for an electrical heating system, get back to nature with a wood stove. This economical and longstanding system haa advanced greatly since the days of the single room log cabin. Get one to help with the main living areas or invest in an entire wood burning furnace system that can heat the whole house. Check with your local home stores to see what's available or see the Resources section below.
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Step 2
Update your vehicle. Renewable fuel, such as ethanol and biodiesel, will cut out the need for gasoline. Biodiesel, made from oils and fats, can be used in vehicles that use regular diesel fuel, which is usually petroleum-based. You will need a car that specifically runs on ethanol to be able to use it. The site Hybrid Cars says the ethanol bright idea is no longer so bright, but it also gives other options that are more environmentally friendly than gasoline. See the Resources section below for a link.
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Step 3
Go solar. Outfitting a home to run on solar power can be expensive, but in the long run may help on your electricity costs and will definitely help save the earth. Even if you don't install solar panels on your roof, you can still opt for solar powered yard lights or smaller solar devices. Check with your local home stores to see what's available. Some ideas are also online at Solar Home. See the Resources section below for a link.
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Step 4
Invest in a wind turbine. There have been great advancements with the wind turbine in the last decade, and you can now power your house using the power of wind. However, a wind turbine is usually very large and expensive. A rural area is the best for such a giant device that couldn't even fit on a suburban or city block. See more about the wind turbine in the Resources section below.
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Step 5
Harvest rainwater. Stocking up on rainfall is an easy and practical way to save on water. Rainwater can be harvested into large barrels by simply funneling your gutters into the barrels. Use stored rainwater for landscaping, car washing and a variety of other purposes. Check your local home store for barrels or see the Resources section below.
