Everyone likes to save money.  Everyone, even billionaires do.  Part of owning a home, whether it’s a house, townhouse or condo, is home maintenance and if you’re disciplined about doing it, you can not only save money on your home, but help the environment with these tips.  Energy use is a huge portion of our budget.  Some homes are all electric, including heating, so saving a few dollars could be really helpful.  We hear about hidden electrical drains, meaning all of our appliances that run all of the time.  You know the ones with clocks that really don’t need clocks, or instant on?  That’s a huge money drain that PG&E just loves.  Good for their bottom line, but not ours.

When you purchase or consider purchasing a new home, there are lots of  things to consider.  One of these is the cost of utilities.  While they may not represent a large portion of your monthly expenses, their cost can really add up over time.  Once you have purchased your new home (and every few years thereafter), it’s a good idea to request an energy audit from PG&E to find ways that you can reduce your monthly expenditures.  Once you know what creates the bulk of your expense, you can use the following tips to reduce your utility bills in your new home.

• Update your appliances and fixtures to energy efficient models bearing the “Energy Star” label to save on water and energy bills.
• Replace any incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs or if you can afford them, the new LED lights.  This can provide up to 75% savings on your lighting costs and keep your home cooler during the summer months.
• Be aware of your thermostat use. A programmable thermostat is a great idea during the winter, so you can allow cooler temperatures while you are away from your home.
• Lowering your hot water heater temperature ten degrees or shortening your shower times can results in savings.
• Turn off your appliances by unplugging them when you’re not using them.
• Adding insulation to your attic or attic door and replacing caulking over cracks around windows and in exterior walls can also reduce your energy costs.  You may even consider insulating your garage or garage door if possible.  Replacing or installing weather-stripping kits on drafty doors will also decrease your costs. So will adding an attic fan to remove heat during the summer.
• Planting deciduous shade trees and shrubs can provide more even temperatures in your home, as can appropriate window coverings.

Some of these things are really simple to do and should become part of your annual repairs to your home.  Others can become daily changes.  We all can do these things to help improve our bottom line, and our energy use for the greater good of our community.  This weekend is Earth Day and now is a great time to start your energy audit and savings.

In Millbrae, there’s going to be a Park Clean-up and Fair on Saturday. This will start at 8 AM at Meadows Park with a park clean up and continue at noon with an Earth Day Fair. This is definitely a family affair with music and entertainment and free refreshments.

In Redwood City, at the Marine Science Institute, they’re holding The Marine Science Institute Earth Day on the Bay.  It’s from 8AM to 4PM this Saturday and there will be live music, boat trips, crafts, food and more.  They’re asking for a $5 donation. There will be five two-hour discovery voyages on the San Francisco Bay aboard their 90-foot  research vessel. The Marine Science Institue is a treasure and this is one event you should try to attend, if you can.

Also in Redwood City beginning this weekend and continuing through June 11th, you can take Docent-led walks through the wildflowers at Edgewood Preserve.  The walks start at the Old Stage Day Camp off of Edgewood Road.  it’s free, but you need to be able to walk a 2 mile trail that can have hills.

Again in Redwood City, at the Public Works Services Building, a Spring Cleanup Day  on Saturday. The focus will be sprucing up Redwood Creek, Little River Park, Stulstaft Park and the Port area.  Meet at 8:30AM and enjoy a complimentary continential breakfast.  Clean-up teams will go out from there.  And, all volunteers will be treated to a free BBQ lunch after volunteering in the morning.

The Town of Atherton will be holding a Town Recycling and Environment Expo Day at Holbrook-Palmer Park on Saturday, from 8AM to 4PM.

Up in Pacifica at the San Pedro Valley County Park, there will be a morning bird walk and in the afternoon information about how to identify native plants and a demonstration of the trail project going on there.  All free. Also in Pacifica, there is going to a Citywide beach clean up between 10AM-Noon.  Go to either Linda Mar State Beach or Callera Creek beach to help.  From noon to 2PM will be a celebration event for all workers.

Brisbane is holding a Park Restoration Day on Saturday at Quarry Road Park from 8AM to Noon. The town is providing tools, training and lunch plus you get a commemorative t-shirt so all your friends know what you did that morning.

San Bruno and Foster city are both holding Composting Workshops.  Go to San Bruno Park & Recreation at Crystal Springs Road & Oak Ave between 9:30AM and 11:30AM or to the Foster City Park & Recreation at 650 Shell Blvd, also between 9:30AM and 11:30AM.

At Junipero Serra County Park in San Bruno between 8:30AM and 12:30PM you can help rangers create a garden for native plants.  Call 650-589-5708 for more information.

Vonunteers are needed to plant native plants and shrubs on San Bruno Mountain.  Go to the main entrance area called the Colma Creek Headwaters area between 10AM and 12:30PM. For more information call 650-599-1306.

Finally, all of our State of California Parks will have volunteer activities.  There are projects at several of our beaches.

What ever you choose to do, be assured that your efforts are appreciated by everyone and you come away feeling that you have really given back to the world.