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Q&A: ASIDE FROM THE OBVIOUS AND WELL KNOWN, WHAT WAYS ARE THERE TO SAVE ENERGY IN THE HOME?
Question by iclayton:
Aside from the obvious and well known, what ways are there to save energy in the home?
Asking on behalf of a friend:
Aside from the huge things like loft insulation, energy saving bulbs, double glazing, cavity wall insulation, all those…what helps save energy? It’s the smaller things,like switching off sockets, that add up is not it, so anymore tips like that? Also interested in hearing about any thing lesser known and unique.
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Answer by vicki g
Close vents in rarely used rooms and close the door to them. close your fireplace flu to escaping warm air. Do not run the water when you brush your teeth. Lower the temp of your water heater. Raise the temp of your fridge. Wear thermal underwear and place a kitty cat on your lap while sitting. Reverse the blades of your ceiling fans according to the season: one way brings upper air down, the counter way pulls air up.
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about 1 year ago
Well, in general using human power is better than using electricity. AKA, sweep instead of vacuuming. If you have area rugs, pick them up, take them in the back yard and shake them off. Wash dishes by hand instead of using the dishwasher. Hang clothes to dry (or only use the dryer until they are slightly damp, and then hang them on hangers in your shower til dry) Chop veggies by hand instead of a food processor. Plan the times you’ll turn on your oven and use it for more than one thing at a time. (anything that heats up a lot or cools down a lot is what uses the most energy- like A/Cs or fridges or ovens or irons, etc) Let your hair dry naturally instead of blow drying. There are lots of things one could do, but I don’t know much about your lifestyle now so I’m not sure where you could make changes. HTH anyway.
about 1 year ago
101 Ways To Live More Ecologically
1. Avoid disposable in favor of reusable
items.
2. Avoid drying rags in a clothes dryer.
3. Avoid power appliances when handpower works.
4. Avoid highly processed foods.
5. Avoid using styrofoam—it can’t be recycled.
6. Avoid watering driveways and sidewalks.
7. Be responsible and creative with leftover foods.
8. Buy in bulk goods to reduce wasted packaging.
9. Buy energy efficient electric appliances.
10. Buy foods without additives.
11. Buy foods without preservatives.
12. Buy food and goods from sources you trust
13. Buy large quantities to reduce shopping trips.
14. Buy living Christmas trees.
15. Buy locally grown food and produce.
16. Buy organic, pesticide-free foods.
17. Compost your food scraps.
18. Discover and protect watersheds in your area,
19. Don’t burn trash or other smoky materials.
20. Drain cooking grease onto paper bags, not paper towels.
21. Drive a fuel-efficient car.
22. Drive less: walk, bicycle, carpooland use public transportation.
23. Eat foods low on the food chain; avoid meat.
24. Eat more natural, nutritious foods.
25. Educate elected representatives on ecology.
26. Exercise regularly.
27. Explore and learn about your bioregion.
28. Grow your own food, even a small amount.
29. Hang dry some or all of your clothes.
30. Heat your home less and wear warmer clothes.
31. Heat your home more with renewable energies.
32. Hold a potluck dinner to discuss local ecology.
33. If you use a dishwasher, turn off the drying cycle.
34. Install a water-conserving device in your toilets.
35. Install a water-conserving showerhead.
36. Insulate your home to maximum efficiency.
37. Invest for social responsibility as well as profit.
38. Invest in solar power, where practical.
39. Invest in well-made, long-lived clothing.
40. Keep hazardous chemicals in safe containers.
41. Keep appliance motors well adjusted for efficiency.
42. Mend and repair rather than discard and replace.
43. Oppose meddling in ecological balance.
44. Oppose private development of special areas.
45. Oppose roadside use of defoliants.
46. Organize or join a neighborhood toy exchange.
47. Pick up litter along streets and highways.
48. Plant native trees and shrubs around your home.
49. Plant trees throughout your community.
50. Plant your living Christmas tree.
51. Practice preventive health care.
52. Practice responsible family planning.
53. Prepare only as much food as will be eaten.
54. Protect your favorite distinctive natural areas.
55. Purchase goods in reusable/recyclable containers.
56. Put a catalytic converter on your wood stove.
57. Put toxic substances out of reach of children.
58. Recycle aluminum.
59. Recycle glass.
60. Recycle newspaper.
61. Recycle old clothes.
62. Recycle plastic.
63. Recycle used motor oil.
64. Recycle your unneeded items.
65. Re-use paper bags.
66. Re-use plastic bags for storage and waste.
67. Save up for full loads in clothes washers.
68. Save up for full loads in dishwasher.
69. Shop by phone, then go pick up your purchases.
70. Speak out about your values in community groups.
71. Support efficient energy sources in your bioregion.
72. Support elected representatives on ecological issues.
73. Support energy conservation in your bioregion.
about 1 year ago
Get a ymca membership and shower there.