More often than not, people tend to think taking steps toward energy conservation, and living a ‘greener’ lifestyle have to be huge, grand gestures and acts. Nothing could be farther from the truth. While yes, taking larger initiatives toward a greener tomorrow is always a great idea, sometimes the small things add up just as much, and they tend to be habits you can get into every single day. Over time, that’s a lot of energy conservation to be proud of. The best part? When you make small changes in your day-to-day life, they become habits you can live with forever. Making these smarter choices and changes can make more of an impact than you may realize.
So, what can you actually do today to help conserve energy? The options are honestly pretty endless. With hundreds of small choices and changes in mind, let’s take a look at some simple ones that can get you started down a positive path toward a brighter, and more energy-efficient future.
In The Home
- Wash your clothes in cold water, not hot. If you do this just twice a week, you can save over 500 pounds of CO2 each year.
- Purchase energy-efficient appliances, such as washers, dryers, and refrigerators. Always make sure your fridge is on the lowest possible setting for coldness, without getting to the freezing mark.
- Get as much as you can out of every load of laundry, and every load of dishes in the dishwasher. Fill both to a suitable amount each time, instead of just washing a few things at a time.
Transportation
- Try to find alternative methods of transportation each day – from biking, walking, or taking public transit, to simply carpooling with others. With every gallon of gasoline saved, you’re also saving 22 pounds of CO2 emissions.
Products
- Be conscious of the products you’re buying on a daily basis, including food, and how it’s packaged. Try to choose packaging that’s able to be reused, instead of thrown out right away. Plastics are a great option that can get recycled again and again.
Community
- One of the most responsible things you can do, no matter where you live, is keep track of your local government. Is there an election coming up? Do some research on your local candidates when it comes to their stance on environmental protection. Or, contact your local congressman about steps they can take to bring awareness to the issue.
- You can also work to start different organizations or outreach programs in your community, or even through your place of employment. Plant trees, organize a trash clean-up day, etc.
These simple steps are really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to conserving energy, and ensuring a better, cleaner future for the next generation. The best part is that most of these, and hundreds of additional ideas, can save you money, time, and require very little effort. A few smart decisions today, can create a world of difference tomorrow.