1. Unplug your electronics.
Did you know that even when you keep an electronic plugged in (but turned off), it's still using electricity? Make it a habit to turn off power strips or appliances after you use them, and your energy bill will be less!
2. Let your clothes air-dry.
A typical dryer uses 3,000 watts an hour. If you live somewhere with communal washers and dryers, any little bit can help reduce energy costs. Even though letting your clothes air-dry during winter sounds strange, it's better to let them dry for a little and then throw them in the dryer than it is to use the dryer the entire time.
3. Turn the faucet off.
Turn off the water when you're brushing or shaving! If you're brushing, use a cup filled with water to rinse, or only use the tap when you're ready for it. If you're shaving, fill the sink and turn off the water until you're ready for the final rinse! You can save approximately 3 gallons of water this way! (The state of California thanks you -- remember, we're in a drought, people.)
4. Exercise outside.
At gyms, a lot of energy goes into powering those treadmills, ellipticals, etc. -- not to mention the cost of the AC that's probably on. Doing cardio outside is a super-easy way to conserve energy and get your daily exercise in. Plus, the fresh air will probably be better for you than what's in that gym room. (Ew)
5. Pick the right lightbulbs.
If you have the chance to get to Home Depot, pick up some energy-efficient lightbulbs to lessen your overall electricity cost. Who knows, your new bulbs might be brighter and more energy-efficient than the ones you have now. (You could also get lamps with various lighting levels.)
Remember: fluorescent is more energy-efficient than incandescent, and fluorescent lasts longer!
6. Be wise about turning on the AC and the heater.
First of all, air conditioning is crazy expensive. So how do we reduce the cost of using it? Simple -- don't.
Start out with small alternatives to AC. Turn it off when you leave the room. Close blinds/curtains to keep the room a little cooler. Use a fan if you've got one, and kudos to you if you've got more than one!
Now for the heater.
See, when it's hot in your room, there's really no good way to cool down. I mean -- you can only take off so many clothes, right?
But luckily for you, when it's cold, you can throw on as many layers as you want! The best way to keep warm without turning on the heater is to invest in fuzzy socks, long-sleeve shirts, flannels, sweatpants, slippers, blankets you can wear like a cape, beanies, gloves, etc.
(We live in SoCal. It's really not that cold, guys.)
So, there you have it! If you follow these six simple steps, here's hoping that your next energy/water bill is less than last months!
