Energy Saving Tips

GENERAL HOUSEHOLD
*Turn off the TV, VCR, stereo or radio when not in use.
*Turn off the dehumidifier on dry days when it's not needed.
*Turn off the humidifier on humid days when it's not needed.
*Install low-flush toilets to save water. Many communities have water conservation programs that may pay for the new toilets.
*Turning off the water when brushing teeth or shaving.
*Don't use the toilet as a wastebasket or ashtray - it wastes water every time you flush it.
*It takes a lot of energy to make new containers, paper products and packaging. Be diligent in recycling all your newspapers, cans, bottles, plastics, cardboard and other materials.
*Do your consumer research on the Internet and buy as many things as you can on-line. You'll save time and the small shipping fees are much less than what you'd spend driving around in a vehicle.
*Cancel your printed newspapers and magazines and subscribe to the on-line versions. *It takes a lot of energy to make the paper, print and deliver these publications to your door.
*Activate the "sleep" feature of your home office equipment (PC, fax, printer, scanner, monitor) so they automatically power down when not in use.
*Turn off your home office equipment when not in use.
*When buying a home, look at neighborhoods close to work or public transportation to reduce private vehicle use.
*88 billion plastic bags are used in the U.S each year. This represents 12 million barrels of oil.
*It is estimated that it takes up to 1,000 years for a plastic bag to decompose.
Recycling plastic bags is a joke! Just throw it away because it takes more energy and costs more to recycle it than to make a new one.
*When shopping, refuse a bag if you don't need it. Cashiers are often on autopilot, bagging even single items.
*Reuse your grocery bags or better yet, go www.reusablebags.com and buy a sturdy canvas bag for every family member. They will last for years.
*Do you really need to use individual plastic bags for produce at the grocery store?
*Here's a couple of small energy saving tips - avoid double-cupping when getting your favorite coffee drink. Also, take your coffee without a lid unless you really need one.
*Bring your own cup to your favorite coffee shop. You'll save energy, most coffee shops give a discount, plus coffee always tastes better in real cup.
*Household batteries contain hazardous materials and throwing them in the trash is now prohibited in California. Properly dispose of your batteries at the retail centers where you buy them.
*Better yet, purchase a good selection of high-quality rechargeable batteries and a charging unit. You'll save money in the long run and keep hazardous materials out of our environment.