We waste a lot of energy in our daily use. Energy is consumed at an enormous rate and needs to be conserved not only to cut personal costs but also as a preemptive measure to help preserve resources for future use. It’s possible to save electricity and money without having to give up traditional comforts by making conscious choices to lower your energy use. Below are a few tips to help you lower your energy expenditure.
1. Save
Energy At Home
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Unplug seldom used appliances, such as your
toaster or blender. Unplug any chargers for electronics that you are not
currently using. Lastly use power strips to switch off TVs or radios when you
are not using them.
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Set your thermostat in winter to slightly lower
degrees than normal- 68 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night. During
the summer thermostats should be increased to about 78 degrees. Make the most
of sunlight, open blinds to let in heat on sunny days, but be sure to close them
at night to minimize any heat loss.
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Don’t forget to turn off the lights. Remember
this in any seldom used rooms. Maximize work in sunlight as much as possible.
2. Save
Energy as You Drive
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Whenever possible, walk, bike, carpool, or use
public transportation.
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The faster you drive, the more gasoline your car
uses. Slowing down saves on gas money and also creates a safer driving
experience for you and others on the road.
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Use your air conditioner sparingly. Instead
cruise around with the windows/ car top rolled down.
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Try to avoid your engine idling for long periods
of time.
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Lastly, look for a car that gets good gas
mileage.
3. Save
Energy as You Shop
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Look for locally grown foods! Buying locally
produced food has numerous energy and environmental benefits—it means less fuel
burned during the transportation of the foods from production site to store,
less packaging and, often times less exposure to pesticides and chemicals.
(energy4me.org)
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Buy products with minimal packaging—this means
less waste will go into landfills.
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Choose reusable products rather than disposable
ones—and remember to REduce, REuse, and REcyle!
Hopefully you have learned a few helpful new tips that you
can incorporate into your own daily routine.
Every little change is a step in the right direction. Let me know in the
comments below which tips you already use or which ones you might start using!
Further reading:
