Today's world is different from yesterday's. Energy consumption is at its highest, and many believe that Earth can adapt and tolerate changes. It can, but to a point. It's important we never reach that point, so here are ways that you can start working towards accounting for those worrying energy consumption levels.
1. Stop leaving your computer open.
This causes the computer's battery to considerably decrease, therefore causing the amount of energy used to charge the computer every night/day to considerably increase as well. Shutting the computer down can help lessen the computer's energy consumption.
2. Turn off the lights in the house when they are not needed.
Often, lighting is the source of a great deal of energy consumption because lights are left on for empty rooms. Turning off the light allows for considerable energy consumption decrease because the energy is no longer being wasted for empty rooms without purpose.
3. Buy energy efficient light bulbs.
These light bulbs allow for energy to be used smartly and in an environmentally friendly way, and according to the Department of Energy, these light bulbs can save the household up to $45 per year. Try ENERGY STAR-qualified CFLs!
4. Conserve water.
Buying specific shower and faucet fixtures that allow for low-flow water usage will substantially decrease the amount of water wasted by a household, which often is used wastefully and pointlessly if the water was left on and running when you cross the kitchen to get a utensil. Another option is making sure to turn off the water whenever it isn't strictly necessary.
5. Close the doors.
Closing refrigerator doors, house doors, fireplace dampers prevent pointless heat loss and therefore additional energy doesn't need to be used in order to reheat the house.
6. Set the thermostat to specific degrees during seasons.
Turn up the temperature during the summer and down during the winter so energy that is otherwise expensive based on the seasons and wasted can be conserved and money can be saved.
7. Make sure that your house's insulation is effective.
With poor insulation, heat escapes and more energy is consumed and wasted in attempting to heat the house. By ensuring the house is well insulated, this wasteful energy consumption can be circumvented
8. Use smart power strips.
These are strips to plug into the outlets that shut off the power to electronics plugged in when they aren't in use, which is otherwise a large source of wasteful energy consumption. This allows energy to be conserved when it isn't necessary for it to be consumed.
9. Install automated censors on lights outside the house.
This allows for you to avoid wasteful consumption in the case that you forget the light on outside (since it isn't as obvious), so since it is automated it turns off on its own.
10. Use microwaves and toaster ovens instead of conventional ovens when possible.
Microwaves and toaster ovens are especially useful in heating up leftovers, whereas using the conventional oven consumes much more energy that goes to waste for an already cooked meal or a meal that you are just looking to warm.
If you try implementing most of these, we'll be well on our way to achieving sustainability!