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When it comes to conserving energy, there are a lot of little things you can do that make a big difference. From being mindful of your appliances to making your home more energy-efficient, every bit helps.
Here are 20 easy things you can do to conserve energy and make a positive impact on the environment.
1. Insulate Your Home
To save around 30% on your home heating bills and to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions, insulate your home.
Insulation is important in any home, but it becomes even more crucial during the winter months. Not only does insulation help to keep your home warm, but it also helps to conserve energy. By trapping heat inside your home, insulation helps to reduce the amount of energy that is needed to maintain a comfortable temperature. As a result, insulation can be an important factor in increasing the energy efficiency of your home.
There are many different types of insulation available on the market, but one of the most effective is superinsulation. Superinsulation is designed to provide a higher level of insulation than conventional insulation, making it an excellent choice for those who are looking to increase the energy efficiency of their home. If you reside in a cool climate, you should definitely consider super-insulation.
2. Leave Your Car At Home
Many of us are guilty of using our cars for short journeys – even if it’s just a trip to the corner store. While it may not seem like a big deal, these small journeys can really add up over time.
Not only will you save money by leaving the car at home, but you’ll also be doing your bit to reduce your carbon footprint. Where possible, try walking or cycling for short journeys. Or, if you need to go further afield, take advantage of public transport. Not only is it often cheaper than driving, but you’ll also avoid the hassle of finding a parking space!
So next time you’re tempted to jump in the car, remember that there are other options available.
3. Weatherproof Your Home
If you want to weatherproof your home, one of the best places to start is by plugging any air leaks around doors and windows. Not only will this make your home more energy efficient, but it will also help to keep out drafts, pests, and moisture.
There are a variety of ways to seal up door and window openings, so you can choose the option that best suits your needs. For example, you can install weatherstripping or caulk around the perimeter of doors and windows. Alternatively, you can install storm doors or windows for an extra layer of protection.
By taking these simple steps, you can weatherproof your home and improve its overall comfort and efficiency.
4. Plant Shade Trees in Your Garden
If you’re looking for a way to help the environment, planting shade trees is a great option. Shade trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air, helping to reduce pollution and improve air quality.
In addition, shade trees can provide much-needed shade on hot days, helping to keep your home cooler and reducing your energy use. And of course, trees are also beautiful additions to any garden.
So whether you’re looking to help the planet or just add some beauty to your yard, planting shade trees is a great idea.
5. Replace Your Windows
Not only do windows provide a view of the outside world, but they also play an important role in regulating the temperature of your home. In the winter, windows can account for up to 30% of heat loss, which means that energy-efficient windows can make a big difference in your heating bill.
Triple-glazed windows are a great option for those who want to save money on their energy bills. These windows have three panes of glass, which helps to create a barrier against heat loss. In addition, triple-glazed windows are also better at blocking out noise, making them ideal for city dwellers or anyone who wants to enjoy a little extra peace and quiet.
Replace your windows with triple-glazed windows to save on the cost of heating your home.
6. Switch Your Light Bulbs
Many people don’t realize how easy it is to save energy simply by switching out light bulbs. Fluorescent light bulbs, often called CFLs, use far less energy than traditional light bulbs, and they last much longer too. In fact, CFLs use about 75% less energy than traditional light bulbs and can last 10 times as long.
LED light bulbs are even more efficient, using only about 25-30% of the energy of a traditional light bulb while lasting up to 25 times as long. Not only will using more energy-efficient light bulbs save you money on your electricity bill, but it will also help to reduce your carbon footprint. So next time you need to buy light bulbs, be sure to choose CFLs or LEDs. Your wallet and the planet will thank you!
7. Target Your Employer
Any company worth its salt these days has some kind of environmental policy in place. But it’s one thing to have a policy and another to actually stick to it.
That’s where you come in.
By asking your employer about the implementation of the company’s environmental policies, you can help to ensure that they are actually being followed. And by raising awareness of environmental issues among your colleagues, you can help to make sure that everyone is on board with these policies. In today’s business world, there is simply no excuse for not being environmentally friendly. So do your part to make sure that your company is doing its part.
8. Do Not Overheat Your Rooms
No one likes walking into a stuffy, overheated room. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it’s also wasted energy. By making sure your thermostat is set to a comfortable, moderate temperature, you can save energy and lower your carbon dioxide emissions.
In the winter, aim for around 68 degrees Fahrenheit; in the summer, 78 degrees should do the trick. And if you’re going to be out of the house for an extended period of time, there’s no need to keep your rooms excessively warm – just lower the thermostat before you leave.
By taking these simple steps, you can help make a difference in the fight against climate change.
9. Watch Your Product Purchases
It’s easy to get caught up in the convenience of disposable products – after all, they’re often cheaper and require less effort to use than their reusable counterparts. However, the waste produced by disposable products is one of the biggest environmental concerns of our time.
Every year, billions of tons of waste end up in landfills, where they release methane gas and other pollutants into the atmosphere. Not to mention, the production of disposable goods requires significant amounts of energy and resources.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to reduce the amount of waste you produce. When purchasing goods, always opt for items with minimal packaging or that come in reusable containers. And whenever possible, choose reusable products over disposable ones – items like cloth towels, metal straws, and rechargeable batteries can save you money in the long run and help to reduce your environmental impact.
Finally, make sure to always recycle all household waste through local recycling facilities. By following these simple tips, you can do your part to reduce waste and protect our planet.
10. Vote to Help the Environment
Many people don’t realize that their vote can have an impact on the environment. Every election, voters have the opportunity to choose politicians who are committed to protecting the environment. By voting for these candidates, you can help to ensure that environmental policies are enacted at the local, state, and national level.
In addition, voting for pro-environment candidates sends a message to all politicians that their constituents care about this issue. As a result, even those who are not elected can be inspired to take action on behalf of the environment.
The next time you vote, remember that your choices could determine the future of our planet. Choose wisely!
11. Keep Your Water Heater Warm
One easy way to reduce your carbon footprint is to invest in an insulating jacket for your water heater. By keeping your water heater well insulated, you’ll be able to increase its efficiency and reduce the amount of energy that’s wasted.
In particular, an insulating jacket can help to keep heat from escaping, ensuring that your water heater doesn’t have to work overtime to maintain a consistent temperature. In addition, an insulating jacket can also help to protect your water heater from damage, allowing it to last longer and further reducing your carbon footprint.
So if you’re looking for a simple way to make a difference, consider investing in an insulating jacket for your water heater.
Shop Water Heater Insulation on Amazon
12. Buy Energy-Efficient Appliances
Believe it or not, your dishwasher, laundry machine, and dryer can account for nearly 20% of your energy bill. So, when it’s time to replace that old appliance, be sure to do your research and buy energy-efficient models.
Many energy-efficient appliances are available on the market today and they can help you save money on your energy bill. You may even be eligible for federal or state tax credits when you purchase certain energy-efficient appliances. So, don’t wait – make the switch to energy-efficient appliances today!
13. Maintain Your Air Conditioning Units
Air conditioners play an important role in our lives, especially during the hot summer months. However, air conditioners can also be a significant source of energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
One way to help reduce these emissions is to regularly maintain your air conditioning units. This includes cleaning or replacing dirty air filters. Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate on the filter, making it less effective at trapping particles. As a result, the air conditioner has to work harder to cool the air, leading to increased energy consumption and emissions.
By keeping the air filter clean, you can help to reduce your air conditioner’s energy consumption and waste output.
14. Maintain Your Car’s Air Conditioning Unit
Most cars nowadays come equipped with an air conditioner, and if you have one in your car, it’s important to make sure that it’s properly maintained.
One way to do this is to have the coolant collected and recycled whenever the car is serviced. Another way to help keep your air conditioner in good shape is to regularly replace the filter. A dirty air conditioner filter not only decreases the efficiency of the unit, but it can also lead to increased emissions. Not only is it bad for the environment, but it can also lead to higher energy consumption, which means higher costs for you.
So, if you want to save money and help the environment, be sure to keep your air conditioner in good working order. Thanks for reading!
15. Turn Down Your Water Heater Thermostat
Many people don’t realize how much of an impact their water heater can have on the environment. Heating water requires a lot of energy, and as a result, emits a lot of carbon dioxide. One way to help reduce your carbon footprint is to simply turn down the temperature on your water heater. This small change can save you money on your energy bill and help to conserve energy.
Most water heaters are set to around 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but reducing the temperature to 120 degrees can save you up to 10% on your energy bill. In addition, it’s important to regularly maintain your water heater and insulate any exposed pipes to help further reduce energy consumption.
By making a few simple changes, you can help make a big difference in the fight against climate change.
16. Install a Low-Flow Shower Head
A low-flow shower head can be a great way to save water and energy. By using less water, you can also save on the cost of heating water. Low-flow shower heads are designed to deliver a powerful shower while using less water.
They typically have a water flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute or less. This is compared to the standard flow rate of 5 gallons per minute. You can save water and money by installing a low-flow shower head in your home. Not only will you reduce your water bill, but you’ll also be doing your part to conserve water.
Shop Low-Flow Shower Heads on Amazon
17. Choose Your Next Car with Care
When you’re in the market for a new car, it’s important to consider more than just the purchase price. Instead, think about how much the car will cost to operate over its lifetime.
One of the biggest factors in this is fuel economy, or how many miles per gallon (mpg) the car gets. The higher the mpg, the less gas you’ll need to buy, and the less money you’ll spend at the pump. You can find this information on the car’s window sticker when you’re shopping.
In addition to saving you money, a car with good mileage will also produce fewer emissions. This is important for both the environment and your own health. If you’re looking for an even more sustainable option, consider an electric car. These vehicles produce zero emissions and are becoming increasingly affordable as technology improves.
When making your next car purchase, be sure to weigh all of these factors to make the best decision for you and the planet.
18. Fill Your Dishwasher
Dishwashers can be a big help in saving water and energy. Dishwashers use less water than dishwashing by hand, and they also use less energy to wash a load of dishes.
Dishwashers are most efficient when they are full. so, it is best to wait until your dishwasher is full before you run it. Dishwashers also have an energy saver setting that uses less energy and water. The energy saver setting will take longer to wash the dishes, but it will save you money on your utility bills.
19. Wash Your Clothes on a Cool Setting
As anyone who has ever done laundry knows, it can be tempting to wash everything on the hot setting. After all, hot water does a better job of removing dirt and stains. However, there are a few good reasons to wash your clothes on a cool setting instead. For one thing, it’s more energy-efficient, which can save you money on your utility bills.
In addition, cold water is just as effective as hot water at cleaning laundry, as long as you use the right detergent. In fact, some detergents are designed specifically for cold water laundry. So next time you do laundry, try using the cool setting and see if it makes a difference. Your clothes will come out just as clean – and you’ll be doing your part to save energy.
20. Turn down Your Refrigerator
Did you know that your refrigerator can account for a considerable amount of your household electricity usage? That’s why it’s important to ensure that your fridge’s energy saving mode is switched on, the temperature is not unnecessarily cold, and that its doors shut tightly.
By doing so, you can help to keep the temperature inside your fridge at a consistent level, which in turn will help to reduce your overall energy usage. Plus, it’ll also help to keep your food fresher for longer!
So next time you reach for the fridge door, take a moment to check that it’s shut properly – it could save you money and hassle in the long run.
Final Thoughts
We hope you’ll try out some of these tips and share them with your friends, family, and neighbors. Together, we can make a difference in the amount of energy we use and help preserve our planet for future generations.
Do you have other easy ways to conserve energy that we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments below – we would love to hear from you!
