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June 5th is here, and we have an excellent reason to stop and think about the environment we live in, on World Environment Day. It is no secret that a lot of harm has been inflicted on the environment, thanks to the tireless activities of man to live a more comfortable lifestyle.
With this, there has been a sudden rise in costs in regards to the energy market that have to be incurred by the consumers.
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Having said that, there is a dire need to keep a check on our energy consumption in order to save the planet. But, how is it possible to incorporate energy efficiency into our daily household practices to help save the environment?
Here are our two cents!
1. Start with transportation
We are always told about the health benefits of walking and cycling to work. Well, it is not just a great idea to stay in shape but also a step in the right direction for energy consumption.
Therefore, even if you own the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the world, it is always a better idea to walk or cycle to your destination.
Alternatively, you can always carpool or take public transportation in consideration of the environment.
2. Make use of water judiciously
A lot can be done to make your daily activities with water energy efficient. To begin with, you can indulge in rainwater harvesting and use that for keeping your plants happy.
According to where you live, you can also reuse greywater in your garden or even in showers after recycling. Moreover, it is also possible to invest in efficient toilets and showerheads to reduce energy consumption.
One good thing that has come out of man’s rapid destruction of the environment is the introduction of energy saving alternatives too. In this regard, you can invest in showerheads that come with a pause button so that you are not tempted to waste water while you lather up.
3. Insulate to save
Effective insulation in your house can be key to saving energy. Consider insulating your roof and attic. This will not just bring down your exorbitant energy bills significantly, but you will also be able to enjoy a pleasant home, irrespective of the season.
You can also take small steps such as using ceiling fans more than air conditioners as they have less impact on the environment. Therefore, making sure you have a tightly sealed home will not just be cost-effective but will also lend a comfortable living space as well as indoor air quality.
4. Switch to green power
Electricity generation plays a significant role in greenhouse gas emissions, and it naturally leaves an adverse impact on global warming and climate change.
In this regard, you can switch to green power, which comprises of using clean, renewable sources of energy such as the sun, water, wind, etc. Although it will cost you a bit more than standard electricity, you will be helping the environment, and you cannot really put a price on that.
5. Unplug your devices when not in use
How many times has it happened that you put your smartphone on charging overnight and it continues using energy well after it is 100% charged? Or, the numbers of times you forget to switch off the lights in a room once you exit it?
Contrary to what you might think, these little things do make a difference. Therefore, you must consider using electronics and appliances more responsibly.
Shut off the computers when they are not in use. Consider using laptops rather than PCs as they consume less energy. Look for appliances that have a good energy rating.
Avoid appliances with a ‘standby’ mode because they consume energy even if you are not using them. Moreover, if you use appliances that are energy efficient and meet the criteria of Energy Star, you can even earn tax credits.
6. Replace your windows
According to the estimates shared by the Department of Energy, windows in our homes let out a lot of heat, and this increases our electricity bill by at least 10%-20%. Therefore, the simple act of replacing all the old windows in your home and switching to energy efficient windows can be a major step in the right direction.
This replacement will not just be kind to your bank account but will also save the planet a great deal. This may feel like an expensive investment initially; however, it will pay off by decreasing the energy bill, saving the environment and adding to the appeal of your house.
7. Get a smart thermostat for your home
Another investment you must consider is that of a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat, like most smart devices, learns your preferences and habits and adjusts the temperature accordingly depending on the room you are occupying at a certain time. This helps you save energy as well as stay comfortable at the same time.
Therefore, managing the cooling and heating system of your house actively can also help you save energy in the long run.
8. Cook smartly
Believe it or not, you also waste a lot of energy when you cook several times a day. That said, you can reduce the overall energy consumption in the kitchen by taking some steps.
For starters, you should consider using convection ovens instead of the conventional ones as they are way more efficient and use less energy. Microwave ovens are also a better option than traditional ovens as they consume less energy.
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If you use pressure cookers for most of your meals, you can cut down the cooking time drastically, and hence save energy. In addition, you can also consider cooking with pans and pots that are covered because that again helps in reducing the cooking time.
As is evident, a few steps can go a long way to making a difference when it comes to saving the planet. All you have to do is resolve to do your part, and the rest will very likely follow.