Saving resources and energy can be very helpful to the environment. When you conserve energy, it can save you money, and helps reduce the demand for fossil fuels and natural gases. Conserving fossil fuel not only benefits the environment, but also your health as it lowers the emissions of carbon dioxide, one of the main causes of global warming. Although conserving energy sounds like a big task, there are many things you can do wherever you are to save energy resources and help mother earth be a better place to live.
With the population now over seven billion people, there is even more reason to conserve resources and live simply. One f the easiest ways to carry out that is by living simply. That means avoiding unneeded luxury items and choosing products that have dual purposes. For example, if you have to by processed or prepared foods opt for those that come in packaging that can be used for something else For instance, opt for glass jar that can be used as jars for holding coins or pens later on. Many sliced meats or cheeses can also be found in resealable Tupperware containers. This reduces the amount of added plastic you will have to buy for food storage which translates in to fewer resources wasted.
There are many habits you can change right in your home to help conserve energy. Being cautious of how you use your home appliances is a great way to start conserving resources and energy. For example, make sure you turn up the temperature on your refrigerator. Fridges use about twenty percent of your household electricity, which is a lot. Many people keep their fridges cooler than they need to be, or forget to turn on the fridge’s energy saver switch, or make sure the seals on their fridge doors are in proper condition and not letting air out. Another easy way to be resourceful around the house is to wash your clothes with warm or cold water, not hot water. Switching from hot to warm water every two loads can save up to five hundred pounds of CO2 every year.
Buying clothing is a big thing in every society, all age groups like to stay in line with current trends, but that doesn’t mean you have to buy new fabrics every month. There are plenty of great consignment shops that offer gently used clothing in designer labels at a fraction of the cost. When you have outgrown your clothes or decide you no longer like the style, give your clothing to the same shops to give them new life. If you have children, passing down clothing from one sibling to another not only save money, but also resources. Many local parents groups also offer clothing swaps so you can get fresh styles for your children by trading your used clothing with others.
When you buy new appliances, you can find many brands that are eco-friendly, and this can improve your resource and energy levels and benefit the environment. Home heating and cooling is something else to be conscious of if you are working hard to help conserve resources. Keeping your air conditioner or heater on a moderate temperature, instead of turning it up all the way, can conserve energy. There are even many small items that you can invest in that might cost a little extra money, but will save you big in the long run. Energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs for example, are a great way to conserve power. They are a little more expensive, but in the long run save you money as they only use one-fourth of the energy an ordinary bulb does.
You can even find extra uses for leftover food! If you have unspoiled food, consider making a new dish to use the ingredients on hand. If the food is no longer edible, use it to make beneficial compost for your garden or local co-op.
With the current economy in the place it’s in, everyone is looking to save energy at home and cut their overall consumption of finite products. There are many way you are a regular consumer can cost back on your daily usage which will translate into dollars saved as well as energy saved for the planet.
Before we go any further, I should tell you not to trust people who try to urge you to buy or sell you free energy devices or programs. They don’t work and are a complete scam. Yes, real scientists are looking into these theories but they don’t have anything for sale. You can follow a few simple and cost-free tips to help cut down on your monthly energy bills.
*Turn off all outlets not in use and unplug gadgets
*Don’t turn the heat on until the latest possible time, wear a sweater in the fall
*Assure that you turn off all light in rooms that are not habituated or in use
*Opt for an energy effect television and refrigerator
*Don’t use old school yellow lights, spend now for energy-efficient bulbs
*Consider doing your laundry in bulk at a commercial laundry
*In the summer, stay in one room with the door closed and ac running as opposed to using all on the home.
Many utility providers also have saving programs where you can pay more in the off-season so that your bills don’t spike suddenly during the peak time. You can also apply for energy assistance which will guarantee a reduced rate for a finite period usually 12-15 months depending on the city you live in. Most reduction has to do with daily usage, keep in mind if you don’t really need it don’t use it, you will find that the saving add up over time and you will find your overall bills lower than the previous year. Flat screens also take up a lot of energy so avoid the largest size and get something midsized instead and assure that is has the energy start logo to assure greatest energy savings.