As we approached The 50th anniversary of Earth Day, I focused on small changes we can make as individuals that added together can make real change for our environment. If you missed my first article of Earth Tips, read it here.
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There is clear scientific evidence of the effects of climate change including warming ocean temperatures, melting ice sheets and glacial retreat, rising ocean levels and acidification, increasingly rapid changes in global temperature warming and catastrophic storm activity from floods to droughts and category 5 storms. Check out NASA’s site here.
While we need to encourage systemic changes like participating in the Paris Agreement, there are many things we can do at home to make a difference.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead
Changes that you make in each of these utility areas will also save you money, which has become even more important with the dramatic upset of our economic system due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earth Day Tips on Utilities: Electricity
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, American electricity, as of 2018, is still primarily fueled by fossil fuels (35% natural gas, 27% coal, 1% petroleum) and nuclear power (19%). Renewable energy provides 17% of our electric power with hydro, wind, solar, biomass and geothermal.
Switching to solar or wind power can lower your electric bill over time and also reduce your carbon footprint. I switched my electric provider to Credo Energy so my money is supporting wind power now! They are available in CT, NH, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, MD, IL and TX. Look for a supplier in your area that provides electric from wind or solar. We plan to put solar on our house when we re-do the roof or remodel in the next few years.
Be mindful of your electric usage at home by switching to CFL or LED bulbs. Turn off lights when you aren’t using them. Unplug appliances that draw power even when they’re not in use. Open your shades to bring in natural (free!) light! If you have an extra freezer and refrigerator that’s not being used to capacity, consider emptying it out and shutting it down. (You may want to take the door off if you have children in the house!)
Earth Day Tips on Utilities: Water
There are already areas in the world that are having water wars! The need for fresh water is universal, but it’s not available universally. If you’ve experienced drought in your area, you have a better understanding of how critical it is to not waste a drop.
It’s easy to install an inexpensive low-flow shower head, but you can still opt for quicker showers. Low flow or composting toilets can have a big impact on water use. For those not in a position to upgrade, you can try the “If it’s yellow, let it mellow…” approach to flushing less often.
Dishwashers use less water than hand-washing. You’ll get the most benefit if you always do full loads.
I often reuse water by emptying a half finished water glass onto my plants, using the dehumidifier water in the washing machine or for watering the garden, or draining the pasta or potato water into a pot that needs soaking. We also collect water in rain barrels for watering the gardens.
By implementing water saving strategies I cut my water usage (and cost!) in half last year.
Related articles:
Earth Day Tips on Utilities: Laundry
There are many ways to save water and energy on your laundry.
The first question to ask yourself is whether that outfit you wore for a 2 hour meeting or the jeans you sat around in really need to be washed? Over washing not only uses excess water and energy but also beats your clothes up and fades them so they don’t last as long.
If everyone in your household has their own towel, they can hang them up to dry several times before they go in the wash.
Unless I have a really dirty load, I set my washer to the shortest cycle and I always use cold water. I love to hang our clothes outside in spring, summer and fall and I’m now a stickler for hanging them inside year round. The dryer uses a lot of electricity so this saves energy and money.
Earth Day Tips on Utilities: Heat and Air Conditioning
What do you use to heat your home? Whether it’s natural gas or oil, you can cut down your use of fossil fuels with some easy changes. The most useful tool is an automatic thermostat that lets you set the temperature for day and night. Once you are snug in bed under your blankets, you simply don’t need the heat as high as during the day. When you are up you may need more heat, but try to grab a sweater before turning up the heat. A cooler home offers the advantages of not drying out your skin and nose and also helps you to better acclimate to winter temperatures. The same applies to electric heat.
In the summer, the opposite goes—dress in shorts and tank tops before turning the air conditioning temperature down. You will be better acclimated to the hot weather and enjoy being outside more. I generally don’t turn on the A/C unless the inside temperature hits 78 degrees F. In the winter I make sure to let in as much sun as possible to help warm the house, but in the summer I keep the shades drawn to keep the sun out. It’s amazing what a difference this makes.
Please share below any related ideas or your experiences with lowering utility usage and cost. And please sign up for my newsletter here.
Comments
LYNN We learned the basics from our parents! They led by example and telling us how to conserve energy. I’ll never forget Mom and Dad saying “Turn off the lights when you leave the room.”Edit
DANA HUNT As Kerry’s husband, I can attest that all of the ideas Kerry has shared above that we have been able to implement in our home have made a difference in lowering our consumption of water and power. Besides the obvious monetary savings, though, I’m reminded of the old saying attributed to President Calvin Coolidge – “Waste not, Want not.”, which reinforces my commitment to trying my best to stick with these conservation practices whenever possible and practical.Edit
KERRY HUNT Aww, thanks, hon! So glad we are in synch on conservation and frugal living!
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We learned the basics from our parents! They led by example and telling us how to conserve energy. I’ll never forget Mom and Dad saying “Turn off the lights when you leave the room.”
As Kerry’s husband, I can attest that all of the ideas Kerry has shared above that we have been able to implement in our home have made a difference in lowering our consumption of water and power. Besides the obvious monetary savings, though, I’m reminded of the old saying attributed to President Calvin Coolidge – “Waste not, Want not.”, which reinforces my commitment to trying my best to stick with these conservation practices whenever possible and practical.
Aww, thanks, hon! So glad we are in synch on conservation and frugal living!