In this down economy, many people can no longer afford the luxuries they once enjoyed because most of their income is spent on the basic necessities of daily living. On top of that, global warming and environmental issues have increased prices, making it difficult for people to pay their bills and other necessities. In order for people to survive the economic and environmental situation, they need to save energy, their money, and save the earth. By being aware of eco-friendly energy alternatives and living “green”, people can save more money to afford some luxury and leisure items, as well as save the planet.
Here are some tips to save energy:
1. During the summer, do not turn on the air conditioner unless there is an unbearably high temperature of thirty degrees Celsius or ninety degrees Fahrenheit and above. If the temperature is lower, open the windows and turn on the fans to ventilate the house or apartment.
2. During winter, please do not turn on the heater unless it is very cold. Instead, make your environment warm and cozy by using your fireplace, wearing warm clothing, and snuggling up with lots of blankets. And, if you have a partner and/or pets, it is warmer and more welcoming to snuggle up with them.
3. Only turn lights on at night and when the room is in use. When the lights are on, use fluorescent lights or eco-friendly lights. Turn off other electronics, like the TV, computer, and radio when you’re not using them.
4. Use a renewable energy system that skips fossil fuels. Such fossil fuels include coal, oil, and natural gas, and they can emit carbon dioxide into the air. Renewable energy system includes biomass, small hydro, solar, wind, geothermal, tidal power or photovoltaic conversion system.
5. Do not use disposable items unless they are biodegradable. Instead, use an actual camera, as well as washable plates, glasses, cups, and eating utensils.
6. Recycle aluminum cans, glass bottles and jars, plastic and paper products, steel and tin cans, used motor oil, paint, and batteries. Old electronics should be recycled as they contain lead and mercury, which can contaminate soil and water. Therefore, it poisons drinking water and vegetation. Recycle car fluids, parts, batteries and accessories, as well as car bodies and tires. Recycle old compost to create your own fertilizer.
7. Use cotton and linen products because they do not emit VOCs into the air; and thereby improve air quality. Organic cotton is much better because it does not consume petrochemicals.
8. Buy products in bulk or big boxes to save on packaging. These bulk purchases can be found at warehouse stores, such as Costco.
9. Use cleaning products that do not contain harsh chemicals and are not scented.
10. Do not use foam products, such as cups, bowls, plates, and folding boxes, because they consume petrochemicals and do not recycle well.
11. Using the washer/dryer and dishwasher after seven in the evening. Wash most of your clothes in cold water because hot weather uses a lot of energy. Therefore, wash with hot water at a minimum. When drying clothes, only put large, thick, thick items such as towels, sheets, jeans, sweatshirts, blankets, robes, and pajamas in the dryer with dryer balls to reduce drying time. Try to lay out smaller items, as well as delicate, delicate items, to air dry.
So saving energy means saving money and saving the planet. The three Rs—reduce, reuse, and recycle—as well as recycling aluminum, steel, and tin cans, glass bottles and jars, and paper and plastic products, can help people conserve energy immensely. Therefore, conserving energy and the environment can improve people’s lives and futures by lowering costs and saving the planet.