Conserve Natural Resources

Saving energy is good for your wallet, environmentally friendly, and 
helps relieve the strain on natural resources.
I think the cost of energy will come down when we make this transition to renewable energy.   
                                   —Al Gore

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10 Simple Ways to Save Energy  at Home

A person holding up an energy efficient CFL lightbulb.


Energy-efficient and greener homes are in demand these days. Some smart choices and simple changes of habit can save both energy and resources even in older homes or apartments. 

10. Cut the Phantom Energy
Unplug everything you’ve used during the day before you go to bed—cell phones, toasters, DVD players, TVs, Laptops, kitchen appliances. And the next day don’t plug them back in if not in use that day. In an average home, as much as 25% of the electricity for home electronics is consumed while the devices are turned off. This “phantom” energy use can be stopped by not plugging in daily.
Source Facts: US (DOE) Department of Energy
9. Install CFLs, Lightbulbs of the Future-Now
As your older incandescent bulbs burn out, resolve to install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Buy a pack of CFLs now so it the bulbs are ready to replace. CFLs use much less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. This reduces your energy drain and also saves you money over time.
8. Turn Off Lights When Not in Room
Be diligent and hit the switch as you leave a room. And in the daytime, don’t turn lights on at all. Throw open the curtains, raise the blinds, and enjoy the natural light of the sun for as long as possible.
7. Seek Out the ENERGY STAR Label
Appliances and home products meet certain energy efficiency standards when the bear the ENERGY STAR seal. Set your goal replace one major appliance to begin your energy savings. For some ENERGY STAR products there may also be rebates and federal tax credits available.
6. Use a Clothesline
Skip the machine clothes drier. Carry your clothes outside and hang them up on a clothesline. You save energy and also get yourself moving, bending, and lifting.
5. Take Shorter Showers
Although singing in the shower is fun, it’s easy to lose track of time. Pay attention, be aware, and take shorter showers. Installing low-flow showerheads is also a good idea to reduce water use.
4. Bike to Work
The Bike-to-Work movement is sweeping the country. If you drive to work five days a week, re-think your commute and ride a bike one day and use public transit one day. Many cities now have BikeSharing. Better yet, find out if you can telecommute one or two days a week. 
3. Join a Car-Sharing Service
Car-Sharing services are sprouting up all over. Find out if it is already available  in your community and, if not, find other interested people and organize it yourself. Not-owning a car may actually be easier than owning a car.
2. Use Ceiling Fans, Not A/C
Ceiling fans use less energy than an air conditioner. The breeze from a fan may be all that you need to keep you cool. Remember, you only need to be cool enough. 
1. Go Out for A/C
Work at home all day? Take your laptop and use the free wifi and air conditioning at the library or a coffeeshop. Work online, blog, pay your bills, email, plan menus and birthday parties on community A/C. Don’t forget to lose the power at your own home—turn off A/C, unplug electronics and appliances, and turn off all your lights. Coffee, anyone?

Energy conservation is a complex topic. These may be small steps, but the benefits can be multiplied as you persuade friends and others to follow suit. Energy saving is good for your wallet, environmentally friendly, and reduces the drain on natural resources.

Read more green articles like this in Environment. 

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