Save electricity, save money, save the environment
Many people associate reducing greenhouse gas emissions with wind turbines, solar panels, and hybrid cars. Most people believe that reducing greenhouse gas emissions would require significant monetary investments which will eventually pay off financially in decade or two. Few people realize that there is something much simpler and inexpensive that we all can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The easy solution is save electricity. How would saving electricity reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Isn't electricity clean? Not really.
Majority of the electricity we consume today is generated from burning fossil fuels. The second largest source of electricity is hydro followed by nuclear and renewable energy. Unless you are living in Iceland, chances are that saving electricity is helping the environment.
Following are some tips to save electricity.
- Switch off the lights when no one is in the room (office and home)
- Switch off the monitor during your breaks are before leaving work
- Switch off and unplug applicances when they are not being used. Applicances on standby can increase you electricity bill by 10-15%
- Buy energy efficient applicances marked with energystar or European A or B rating
- Fill your dishwasher and washing machine before using it
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator when possible
- Switch to energy efficient lighting. 1.5 W LED = 13 W CFL = 60 W Halogen
If you consume as much energy as a North American household, these tips would reduce your monthly bill by a third. You will save money just by reducing waste and without sacrificing your comfort and lifestyle. Cleaner air is bonus.
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