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We all want to be eco-friendly and if we can save a few bucks along the way, all the better. Before visions of going completely off the grid fill your mind, consider the fact that with just a few minor adjustments to your daily routine, you can significantly lighten your environmental footprint and be rewarded not only with positive cosmic energy but lower utility bills as well. Sound easy? Here’s how to get started.
Turn Off The Lights
So simple but so easily forgotten. When you’re not in a room, TURN OFF THE LIGHTS! Despite having had this drilled into us since kindergarten, it’s so easy to forget to flip the switch before heading out. If you absolutely must leave a light on, get an energy efficient bulb and install a dimmer.
Cold Water Only
You know how washing machines give you the option of choosing the water temperature? Chances are good that you will rarely ever need anything other than cold. Some say that cold water offers a subpar wash but thanks to new detergents and washing machine design, cold water is more than enough to get your clothes clean. In addition to being an environmentally sound practice, cold wash cycles are gentler on clothing and help preserve colour. If you’re washing something that really needs some intense deodorizing, run a cold pre-rinse cycle prior to the regular load and you should be good to go.
Turn Off Electronics
It’s amazing how much energy gadgets can use when you add it all up. A plugged in iPad here, a perpetually powered up laptop there—they all amount to a higher power bill, not to mention the practice isn’t great for the environment. Next time you’ve finished checking your email and seeing what your friends ate for brunch on Instagram, shut down your computer rather than letting it sit idle. Unplug your phone after it’s charged, turn off gaming consoles when not in use… you get the idea. Once you’ve gotten into the habit of powering done and unplugging, you’ll see that it becomes second nature.
Stay On Top of Maintenance
A wonky fridge or wobbly washer are more than just annoying, they can be serious energy drainers that can end up costing you a lot of money thanks to their inefficiency. In order to avoid being surprised when your monthly bill comes in, make a habit of regularly inspecting your appliances for signs of damage or wear. Save all warranty information to avoid costly repair bills and do some preliminary research as to who offers the best price should you discover a problem. To quote Ben Franklin: “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Or, in this case, a ton of money.
Know Peak Hours
Peak hours refer to times when energy use increases or decreases during the day. On-peak hours are when energy is a hot commodity and therefore more expensive. Typically, on-peak hours vary by season and can be looked up by visiting your local electric company’s website. Once you’ve figured out when on-peak and off-peak hours are, plan accordingly. Try to avoid using tons of energy (running your washer, for instance) during the on-peak times and watch your energy bills go down. It takes very little effort and provides great rewards. Total win-win situation!
Skip The Dryer
Clothes dryers use an awful lot of energy and in the summer months, they tend to give off a lot of heat. Bypass the dryer and opt for air drying instead. If you have outdoor space, set up some permanent or portable drying racks and let the sun do its thing. Nothing smells better than fresh sheets right off the line. If you’re a condo dweller or just don’t have a yard, indoor drying racks are easy to store and can be set up just about anywhere. As an added bonus, air drying is a lot better for your clothes.
Go Energy Efficient
While it certainly isn’t cost-effective to go out and buy all new appliances, nor does it make sense to throw out perfectly good stuff, there will come a time when you have to replace an old fridge or dishwasher, so why not do it right? Most manufacturers have gotten on board the enviro-friendly train and offer energy efficient options that will save you money and make Mama Earth smile. Do some research beforehand to find what works best for your needs and budget and then see what local retailers have to offer. Water-saving toilets, energy efficient dishwashers, and HE washer/dryers all add up to lower bills and a gentler environmental footprint.
