October is Energy Awareness Month… 5 Easy Ways to Conserve

October 15, 2009

October is Energy Awareness month. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy since 1991, the goal is to increase awareness of ways to decrease energy consumption, particularly in Federal agencies and buildings. This year the theme is A Sustainable Energy Future; Putting All the Pieces Together. The objective is to encourage everyone to see how they fit into the big picture. We all  make decisions daily that impact sustainability and a new energy economy. This really ties into Oh! Eco Me’s blog theme, “becoming greener one small step at a time”. It doesn’t take large changes to make an impact. You don’t have to eat granola everyday or give up life’s little comforts to make small changes that matter. So, here’s some small energy tips to try for the rest of October:

1. Change to compact flourescent bulbs.
Ok., I have to tell you this. I really detest the light that is given off by fluorescent bulbs. I have spent a small fortune buying these curly bulbs, putting them in my lamps, and taking them out again. However, I’ve discovered that I get more pleasing light if I replace just half of my lamps with fluorescent bulbs. That way I still get the soft light that I like in the room, but the comfort of knowing that I am being “half-way” energy efficient! Small changes, right?

2. Turn off the lights.
No matter what type of light bulbs you use, you can make a huge impact simply by turning out the lights (along with other electrical appliances when they are not being used). It’s amazing how easy it is to get into the habit of turning out lights when you leave a room. Even if it’s only for a few minutes, it counts. I used to be Mrs. Kilowatt, but now it is second nature to turn out lights that we aren’t using. So easy, and yet so meaningful.

3. Combine trips and share rides.
If you find it difficult to share a ride to work, maybe you could try combining trips for chores. For me, that is a much easier  goal to accomplish. I live in a very central location to Everything in town, so it’s easy to fall into the habit of running in and out to pick up this and that. I have friends who live a little further out of town, and I’ve noticed they are very good at planning chores so that they make trips “into town” count. I can do the same thing on a different level if I just add a little more planning into my lifestyle.

4. Take a train or a bus.
I would LOVE to do this. I live in a city where mass transit is simply not available. Just as the city seemed to be making strides in offering reliable mass transit, the economic downturn blasted into our world. Many of the routes and times have been discontinued. I am hopeful for the future! But, if you live in a city that is large enough, and fortunate enough, to have reliable mass transit, by all means, please take advantage of it this month.

5. Buying a new appliance? Check out the energy star ratings!
If you are in the market for new appliances, please try to purchase energy star appliances. It’s easy to learn to read the energy star labels to make informed decisions about how the appliances you are considering stack up energy-wise. Reading these labels and making informed decisions not only promotes making more sustainable purchases, but will also save you money in the long run. More efficient appliances mean less money spent on heating, cooling, electricity, etc.

Filed under: Eco Around the House,Uncategorized

Tags: electricity, energy conservation, Lifestyle, save money