subject: Green Electric [print this page] EnviroCitizen.org wants you to know that your energy consumption can be significantly decreased with minimal effort on your part. By changes small things you can easily and quickly conserve energy and decrease the demand on your wallet.
There are three simple areas to focus on when trying to convert to green electric habits. These things are simple, easily become habitual and are really, really good for the environment.
1 : Awareness for Limiting Use
This doesn't mean walking around in the dark! This means things such as cutting back on the use of products that require electricity in general, but even more so on devices that draw large amounts of electricity; especially for an extended period of time. After a fast tour of your house you should be able to assess what you need to consider changing in your daily habits. Simply ask yourself the following questions:
What items use electricity in this room ?
What items am I actually using at this moment ?
If I leave the , what can I turn off ?
What items still need to be on in the rooms when I leave ?
It may take a lot of effort and self-discipline at first to be as energy efficient as possible, but even the smallest modifications to your energy consumption can add up.
2 : Wiser Use of Appliances
Home appliances draw the largest amount of electricity in your home. It isn't necessarily always the number of appliances you have that increases your usage and cost, but how you use them. Wiser usage can make a big difference.
Wait for a full load before using your washing machine.
Set your thermostat at the minimum low or high setting you can to make for a comfortable inside temperature. If it's nice out, turn your heating or cooling system off!
Taking a quick break from your computer? Switch off the monitor; it only takes a second to turn it on again.
Leaving your house to run errands or going on vacation? Unplug unnecessary appliances and leave the others running on settings that draw the least amount of electricity necessary.
3 : Make Some Cost-reducing Investments
Here are just a couple of cost-reducing gadgets that can help you save some money. There are plenty more out there, so feel free to do a little bit more research as well!
Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs or CFL bulbs save energy over traditional incandescent bulbs.
An energy-saving device will monitor the usage of power in your home and only draw the minimum amount necessary.
Child safety plugs for outlets. Regardless of whether or not you have young children, plugging up unused outlets will help to decrease the amount of electricity leaked within your home.
If you are looking for supplies to help you convert to a more "green electric" lifestyle, shop through EnviroCitizen.org's green electric devices here.
