Keep money in your pocket while protecting the environment. Here are 10 tips to save energy at home.
Unplug seldom used appliances Even when not in use, your appliances are draining electricity from your outlets if left plugged in. Keep things like your microwave, coffee pot, phone charger, printer, and stereo unplugged until you need them.
Use smart lighting Use compact florescent light bulbs. Be sure to dispose of them properly. Turn off unneeded lights even when leaving a room for a short time. Also, consider opening your blinds for natural lighting during the day.
Use less hot water Wash clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot. Turn the temperature of your water heater down to 120°.
Seal yourself up Replace old weather stripping around doors and windows or consider replacing old windows with energy efficient ones. Don’t forget to check your basement and attic for air leaks as well.
Turn off the AC Plant trees to shade your home and open your windows for air flow. If you must have the AC on, only use it when you’re home. Turn it off when you leave in the morning.
Compost Put leaves in a compost heap instead of burning them or throwing them away. Vegetable scraps can go in too. Leave grass clippings on the yard-they decompose and return nutrients to the soil.
Reduce carbon emissions Walk or ride your bike instead of driving, whenever possible of consider public transportation and carpools.
Don’t flush your money away Switch to water saving toilets and faucets or just Install water-saving devices on your old ones.
Paper or Plastic? Neither. Plastic bags are not biodegradable and are not easy to recycle. Paper bags can be easily recycled and are biodegradable but they still have to be manufactured which results in polluted air and water. Shop with a canvas bag instead.
Keep filters clean Dryers and air conditioners have to work harder when the filters are dirty. Change air filters every month and empty the lent in dryers after every load.
Find more ways to save the environment here.
