subject: Solar Energy Facts - Energy Aware And Waste Wise [print this page] Constantly bombarded with negative information about the environment, finances and natural resources? Feeling overwhelmed? Each and every one of us can do something to aid our world - beginning right where we are, right now. Though not everyone can afford to donate cash or time to a cause, there are endless tactics which will lower an individual's contribution to the landfill and their resource consumption.
Mirrors, positioned strategically in a room could be utilized to take advantage of natural lighting much more efficiently, and decrease energy use as well. When placed near indoor plants, mirrors act like a second window creating much better growing conditions while giving the optical illusion of increased space and greenery to the ambiance of a room.
When loading the clothes dryer, fluff the wet and tangled laundry before tossing into the machine. This allows for immediate and more effective use of dryer energy. Really hot settings (which can actually shrink clothing) can thus be prevented.
Typically, the heated air from a clothes dryer is pumped outside and wasted. Think about buying a dryer vent converter - available at most hardware stores. They are little boxes that divert the heated air from the dryer into your home during the cold and dry winter months - making better usage of your energy dollar while saving slightly on heating expenses. Be cautioned that this air is moist, and this may not be appropriate in most situations. Houses with dry static air or wood heat would benefit from the moisture, but buildings that already have a moisture trouble (evident by mould and mildew or sweating and frosted windows) will only have their issues compounded by doing this.
Instead of purchasing disposable dryer sheets for static control, think about utilizing a liquid fabric softener with a reused rag or sock. Pour a Tablespoon of the liquid on the rag, roll it up and squeeze (to absorb all the softener) and throw in the dryer. Wash the rag periodically by throwing it in with a regular load. Just imagine the number of dryer sheets, the packaging they came in, in addition to the expenses, energy and resources to produce them that can be avoided by this single simple action.
These are simply several ideas to demonstrate how easy it is to make a difference while saving a little money. Picture the number of other little things you can do around the house or office. As soon as the suggestions have begun to flow, they will cause a ripple effect cascading into other aspects of your life. After that, hopefully, you will think twice prior to tossing anything straight to the trash.
