You like to save money, right? And, hopefully, you also like to help the environment. By conserving energy you achieve both objectives. As a land trust, we are committed to environmental protection through a variety of actions–conservation, protection–and small, every day choices. Read on to learn simple things you can do everyday to conserve energy.
It was this recent article in the Portland Press Herald that got me thinking about conserving energy. It’s a good read that’s full of helpful, hands on information to conserve energy. Using the article’s list of five ways to conserve energy as a spring board I expanded the list to include these ten ways to save energy:
1. Turn off lights.
If you’re not in the room, you don’t need a light on. So, turn off lights when you leave a room. It might take a while to get in the habit, but once you do it will save you cold, hard cash.
2. Unplug devices and appliances you’re not using.
If you’re not sending email or typing up a report for work at 3 am then turn off and unplug your computer when you go to bed. The same goes for any other appliance or device that you’re not using regularly.
3. Put on a sweater (or take off a layer) to use your AC less and keep thermostat a bit lower.
Have a favorite ugly Christmas sweater? Put it on and turn the thermostat down a couple degrees. In warmer months, try using a window fan and dressing in lighter fabrics to reduce AC use.
4. Dry laundry on a clothesline.
Not only will you conserve energy by using your clothes dryer less, but you’ll also have fresher smelling clothes.
5. Cover bare floors.
Rugs act as insulation (and prevent freezing your toes on a cold floor).
6. Change filters on your heating system.
If you can’t remember the last time you changed the filters then it’s time to do it.
7. Put motion detectors on outdoor lights.
You want lights on for security, but they don’t need to be on all the time. A motion detector will turn the lights on when needed but keep them off when not needed.
8. Set refrigerator temperature to 37-40 degrees F.
At this temperature your produce and dairy products will stay safe, but you’ll conserve energy but not having it set lower than necessary.
9. Take shorter showers.
I know, I know. Mornings are tough, and that extra minute in the shower helps to wake up your brain. But that extra minute uses hot water.
10. Wash laundry in cold water. All. The. Time.
I don’t use hot water in my washing machine. Not ever. And I’m happy to report that all my family’s clothes are clean and fresh smelling.
This list is only a drop in the bucket. What do you do to conserve energy? Share your tips on our Facebook page.
Related on 3rlt.org
10 Important Reasons to Buy Local Produce (Now!)
photo of laundry on clothesline via pexels.com