What You Can Do

Use energy more wisely. By doing so you will not only reduce global warming, you will also save money!

At home:

Many utility companies provide home energy audits to help consumers identify areas in their homes that may not be energy efficient. In addition, many utility companies offer rebate programs to help pay for the cost of energy-efficient upgrades.

Heating (in temperate climates)

• Conserve fuel by turning down the heat at night and while you are away from your home - or install a programmable thermostat. Add extra insulation to your walls and attic, and install weather stripping or caulk around doors and windows. This step alone can reduce your home heating costs by more than 25 percent, by reducing the amount of energy you need to heat and cool your home.
   
• Turn down the heat while you’re sleeping at night or away during the day, and aim for moderation with heating and cooling at all times. Try pulling on a sweater before rushing to the thermostat
   
• Wrap your water heater in an insulating blanket especially if it is more than 5 years old
   
• Lights and Batteries:
  • Use compact fluorescent light bulbs or energy saving light bulbs
  • Avoid anything battery operated (or use rechargeable or solar rechargeable if batteries are unavoidable).

Keeping Cool in Warmer Climes:

Walk around naked!  If you can't do that check out some of the latest fabrics. Cotton is great but there are also a whole lot of "climate" t-shirts available.

In the kitchen:

• Don't let the water run while doing dishes
• Cooking frozen foods uses more energy - thaw them out first.

In the laundry room:

• Only do full loads of laundry, use as little water as possible. Up to 90 percent of the energy used for washing clothes goes to heating the water. If possible use this water to fill up a tank to flush your toilets, or water your grass!
   
• Buy low-flow showerheads to save water. Wash your clothes in warm or cold water to reduce your use of hot water and the energy required to produce it. Use the energy-saving settings on your dishwasher and let the dishes air-dry.
   
• A warm wash and cold rinse will work just as well as a hot water wash and a warm rinse on nearly all clothes.
   
• Hang clothing outside to dry or inside in a dry, warm room and save energy.

In the bathroom:

• Install water saving devices for your taps and showers. Energy saving shower heads can save up to 20 percent of hot water usage - and cut your electricity bills. A faucet aerator will reduce the flow without reducing the water pressure.
   
• Remember to turn off the water when you are not using it. For example, brushing your teeth or shaving. Remember to turn off the water when you’re not using it. For example, while brushing your teeth, shampooing the dog, or soaping up your car. You’ll reduce your water bill and help to conserve a vital natural resource
   
• A shower (about 10 minutes) uses 2/3 the amount of water as a bath.