If you're not currently using it, turn it off. This goes for lights, televisions, computers, printers, and so on.
- Put timers on lamps that will turn off lamps at the same time on a daily basis. Timers like these can be found in hardware stores and they can be plugged into your lamp.
- Make it a routine to shut off lights and electrical appliances whenever you leave a room.
Leaving devices plugged in, such as laptop chargers or toasters, can eat up "phantom" energy. Even when an appliance is turned off, it may still use power. Try unplugging when possible.
- If it will be at least 36 hours before you use it again, unplug it.
- Turn lots of things off with a power strip. You can plug all your appliances in one area — say, your computer — into a power strip. Then when you're done using all appliances, simply turn the power strip off at the switch.
In the USA around 71% of electricity is produced by burning fossil fuels. Burning coal or other fuels emits greenhouse gases and pollution in the environment. An average home powered by a coal utility will burn 12,000 pounds of coal a year and will cause about the same amount of pollution as 2 cars. By using renewable energy as the primary power source, the reduction of pollution per household would be equivalent to that of planting 400 trees.
- Many electric companies offer power from renewable sources (sometimes at a slightly higher fee). Another option is to rent solar panels, as these are becoming increasingly expensive. Contact your local energy provider for more information.
- Encourage your congressional representatives to support environmental issues and renewable energy.
A low-flow toilet can save many gallons of water per year, both preserving the environment and lowering your water bill.
- Or put bottle of water in the tank (the back) of your current toilet. The space the bottle takes up in the bottom of the tank will permit you to use less water, but keep the toilet functioning.
- Also try adjusting the water level lower. Many toilets have an adjustment to lower the valve float.
