1 . Switch off anything that uses electricity when not in use
If youre not using it, turn it off. This goes for lights, televisions, computers, printers, and so on.
Put timers on lamps and use them to turn off lamps at the same time each day. Timers like these can be found in hardware stores and they can be plugged into outlets, then control the power to your lamp.
2 . Unplug devices when possible
Leaving devices plugged in, such as laptop chargers or toasters, can use phantom energy. Even when an appliance is turned off, it may still use power.It is best to unplug anything that you do not anticipate using in the next 36 hours (or more).Use a power strip to turn lots of things off with the flip of a single switch. You can plug all your devices in one area say, your computer into a power strip. When youre done, simply turn the power strip off with the switch.Measure the energy your devices use or look up typical energy use. To measure usage yourself, use a Kill a Watt. You plug an appliance in through the Kill A Watt, and it measures the power use. This tool can also tell you whether a particular appliance or device draws power when it is turned off.
3 . Trade in your dryer for a good old fashioned clothesline
Air drying leaves your clothes smelling fresh and is environmentally friendly. Tumble dryers are among the biggest energy users in most households, after the refrigerator and air conditioner. If you do use a dryer, make sure to keep the vent clear, for safety as well as efficiency.
4 . Run your air conditioner sparingly or not at all
Air conditioners use a great deal of electricity. Use natural ventilation or a fan to keep cool, as much as possible.If you do use an air conditioner, set it to a slightly lower temperature than outside. Remember that setting the temperature lower uses more electricity, and it wont cool things off any faster.
5 . Close the heating and air conditioning vents in your home
If you are not using certain rooms in your house, close the vents in these rooms, and close the doors. Doing this consistently will reduce the amount of energy squandered by heating or cooling seldom occupied spaces.
6 . Dont use electronic exercise machines
Instead of using exercise equipment, use a real bicycle (or a unicycle), or walk to get to nearby destinations or for pleasure. Calisthenics, push ups, and other bodyweight exercises work, as well.
7 . Use a warm blanket or sweater in winter
Bundle yourself up and lower your thermostat by a few degrees. Aim to set your thermostat at 68 degrees F in the winter, perhaps even lower at night. Every degree above this will generate about 6 8% additional energy output.
The average family of four in the U.S. uses about 400 gallons of water every day.Make conscious choices to lower your consumption of water.Take shorter showers or fill the bathtub only one quarter to one third full.
Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth.Install low flow faucets (taps) or aerators, low flow shower heads, and low flush toilets.Run your dishwasher only when it is completely full.Wash full loads of laundry in a washing machine. Choose a front load machine if possible.If you hand wash your car, park it on your lawn and use buckets and sponges. Use the hose to rinse. Use a hose nozzle to stop the water or turn the hose off between rinses. Keep in mind, however, that the soap and other cleaning products might go down the storm drain (if you have one), leading to pollution.If you have a swimming pool, use pool covers to reduce evaporation and keep leaves out.Plant drought tolerant landscaping, and consider xeriscaping. Maintain your outdoor irrigation and water no more than is necessary.
9 . Recycle all you can
If you have curbside recycling, use it. Be sure to separate your recycling into glass, metal, paper and so on.
Take special trips to a recycling center if you don
Avoid using disposable items
Anything you use only a few times and throw away consumes resources only to spend centuries in a landfill.
Carry your own reusable cup or water bottle, eating utensils, and cloth shopping bags with you. Pack a waste free lunch.
Use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable batteries. Batteries not only take up landfill space, as they cant be incinerated. They also can leak acid into the Earth.Dispose properly of hazardous waste. Many materials, including batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, e waste (most anything with batteries or a plug), cleaning products, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, automotive fluids, and paint, should never be disposed of in a landfill, sanitary sewer, or storm sewer. Instead, contact your city for proper disposal opportunities.