We found 60 results tagged with "energy savers"
4 Articles
4 Articles found
Make Your Home Heating System More Efficient
There is plenty you can do to make your existing heating system more efficient.
Sustainable Living Made Simple
Looking for fresh ideas to go green at home? Start with these simple tips.
Eco-Friendly Grilling
Learn more about reducing your carbon footprint when using the grill.
Tips for Greener Living
Going green is simpler than you might think. Just remember: Reduce, reuse, recycle.
56 Challenges
56 Challenges found
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Take a sleep inventory
Sleep is vital to health and wellbeing. Yet many of us don’t get enough of it. With the endless rounds of parties, late nights, and responsibilities, the holidays in particular can wear you out; there’s never a better time to make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Today, challenge...
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Transition your linen closet
Areas with distinct seasons demand a rethink of your (probably cluttered) linen closet come November. As fall transitions to winter, take nature’s shortening days and thinning daylight as an opportunity to purge what you don’t need and declutter your life. Today, challenge yourself to...
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De-stress each day
All of us suffer stress at various times in our lives. Thankfully, for most of us, life’s stressors come and go. Whatever’s going on in your life, there are small things you can do anytime, anyplace to relieve tension. Today, challenge yourself to start following these steps on a daily...
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Research waterless washers
Later this year, consumers may see the launch of a pioneering clothes washing method. A British chemist has created a nearly waterless washer called the Xeros. Relying on highly absorbent beads, or chips, that draw dirt into their cores — and can be used hundreds of times — the...
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Get awn it
Cooling a house in warmer climates can be a big energy drain come summer. One thing you can do to minimize energy output is install retractable awnings over your windows that provide shade by day (and can be retracted to let in light at anytime). Today, challenge yourself to examine your window...
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Pump it up
Waiting for hot water to pour out of the spigot is a wasteful moment that presents an opportunity for improvement. By installing a recirculating water pump under your sink, you can get hot water instantly, so you don’t have to let excess water flow from the tap. This investment costs several...
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Fan the flames
Most of us think of ceiling fans as hot-weather helpers. Guess what? Fans can also save energy during winter. Heat rises, so ceiling fans that can operate in reverse at low speeds are efficient at distributing hot air, sparing you larger heating bills. Today, challenge yourself to start sourcing a...
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Aerate your tap
The average American uses — count ‘em! — 69.3 gallons of water per day. You can cut back on that figure by installing a simple water aerator on your taps. Aerators pump air into the water stream so you don’t have to run the tap at full blast. They can cost as little as $2.25...
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Drape yourself
Inexpensive cotton thermal drapes can do double-season duty as both summer heat blockers and winter warmth savers. By shutting such drapes on hotter days, you maintain a cooler environment (come evening, you can open them). By opening them all day, you trap as much daytime warmth as you can for...
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Pass on your printer cartridge
Where do used printer ink cartridges go to die? Like a lot of other household appliances, ink cartridges are bad for the environment and contribute massively to landfill, yet we continue to discard them at a rapid pace (8 per second in the US alone!). Today, challenge yourself to manage your...
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Reduce your office paper use
Ever find yourself lamenting the stacks of discarded paper in your office? Even though they’re in the recycling bin, sometimes it just doesn’t seem like it’s enough.
Today, try to reduce your paper waste by avoiding the printer or photocopier altogether. When you must make...
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Check for leaky toilets
Do you have a leaky toilet? If you do, you probably don’t know it.
A quick and easy way to find out is to add food coloring to your toilet tank and then wait 30 minutes. If you see any color in the bowl, you have a leak.
The good news is that this problem is easily fixed. Simply take...
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Check your tires
Properly inflated tires can increase your car’s fuel efficiency by more than 3%. Today, read your owner's manual to find out what optimal air pressure is for your tires and check them at a gas station. Every little bit helps.
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Brake it down
Take it easy on those brakes! Slamming on them – and accelerating too quickly, for that matter – can reduce a car’s fuel efficiency by up to 33%. Today, challenge yourself to drive more smoothly. Remember: Hurrying won’t get you there much faster.
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Shut off pilot lights in the off-season
Gas-powered wall heaters use a small pilot light. Though necessary in winter, they burn continuously in warmer periods too, wasting gas and costing about $6 per month. Today, challenge yourself to call your local gas company and schedule a time to have your pilots turned off.
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Magnum opus
Wine provides millions the world over with a pleasurable coda to meals and social gatherings. The thing is, how does the wine get there? Answer: By a complex global distribution system that produces significant greenhouse gas emissions. What can you do? Challenge yourself to order larger bottles –...
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Solar-power your car battery
Here’s a way to let the sunshine in: Portable solar battery chargers can be used to power 12V engines in cars, motorcycles, trucks, boats – even RVs and mowers. As with other solar technologies, they use the power of the sun to build electrical voltage. Sometime this week, challenge yourself to...
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Check your showerhead
Today, challenge yourself to test your showerhead and find out whether you could be saving some serious water by installing a low-flow model. Here’s how:
• Put a bucket into your shower and fill it with 2.5 gallons of water.
• Mark the water level. Then empty the bucket.
• Put the bucket...
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Install faucet aerators
Are you serious about conserving water in your home? One of the best ways to do this is to install aerators on your faucets.
Unsure about whether you need aerators? Look at the side of your faucet spigot — right where the water comes out. If an aerator is already installed, you will see its flow...
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Have a centerpiece brainstorm session
“Reduce, reuse, recycle” extends to all aspects of life…including entertaining. Today, challenge yourself to be a little thrifty by inviting friends over for a centerpiece brainstorm session. Have your guests bring at least one item to share as a table centerpiece that’s either pre-used...
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Pool to school
Currently driving the kids to school when other modes of transport exist? If options like busing, walking, or biking aren’t convenient, try reaching out to other parents; you may find another chauffeur and save on both energy and time. Challenge yourself to initiate contact with classmates’...
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Automate dishwashing
Doing the “washing up” by hand may be the good, old-fashioned way – but it also wastes energy. The newer ENERGY STAR-qualified dishwashers use half as much energy as washing by hand – and 5,000 less gallons of water per year. Clearly, energy and cost savings add up quick with these devices (which...
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Switch to mini-solar power
Forever forgetting to recharge your cell phone? One way to power your phone up and treat the earth kindly at the same time – without even plugging in! – is to invest in a universal solar charger.
Available for between $50-$95, most devices are compact and can easily fit in your knapsack. They...
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Pack your power
There are backpacks that can carry a solar charge which is powerful enough to run your personal gadgets? Get out! Turns out it’s true: Powered by monocrystalline cells, these waterproof, scratch-resistant, UV-proof solar packs can fire up everything from cell phones and digital cameras to GPS...
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Dim the lights
Low lighting uses less energy and prolongs the bulb’s lifespan. You can save on energy expenses by installing and using dimmer switches whenever possible. Today, challenge yourself to add installing a dimmer on one light fixture to your to-do list. Then schedule a date to do it.
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List 5 non-essential appliances
If you’ve ever felt like your life and your home was bursting at the seams with the gadgets, now’s the time to take stock of what you really need. Hairdryer, toaster oven, DVD player – what’s it going to be? Decluttering not only frees your mind, it frees your countertop. It also saves on your...
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Bulk up
Buying products in bulk can save you time and unnecessary trips to the store. Natural food stores, chains, and cooperatives often stock such items as rice, beans, nuts, flour, soap, shampoo, and lotion in bulk. Best of all, you can often reuse many containers (usually at a discount). This weekend...
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Harvest rainwater
Although the term can be somewhat confusing, harvesting rainwater is anything but. All it takes is a large bucket strategically placed under your roof, a rainy night, and you’ve started. Ready-made barrels with attached spigots make it easy to use collected water on your garden and lawn. According...
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Lighten your load
If you’re concerned about the environment and water usage, it may be time for a new clothes washer. According to Energy Star, a newer energy-efficient washer can save you about $550 in operating costs over the course of its lifetime due to its lower energy and water usage. Today, challenge...
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Clear out your car trunk
Less weight in your car means better gas mileage…and energy savings. Every pound counts. Today, challenge yourself to take an inventory of the stuff in your trunk and take out anything that’s weighing you down.
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Have a greener outdoor summer party
Outdoor summer entertaining can have a carbon footprint. However, there are a few easy ways to lessen your impact. When you entertain outside this month, challenge yourself to:
• Use a natural gas grill instead of charcoal
• Turn off unused indoor lights
• Use regular dishware, napkins...
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Observe speed limits
Speedy driving can lower your fuel economy by as much as 33% on the highway and 5% on city streets. In the next 24 hours, cut down on your energy consumption by obeying the speed limit.
Other pro-mileage tips:
• Reduce excess vehicle weight by removing unnecessary items (100 lbs. reduces MGP by...
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Pick your pan
Matching pan to burner size saves lots of energy on the stovetop. Today, when you cook on your stove, make an effort to match you pan to your burner.
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Avoid overdrying
Overdrying disappoints in a number of ways. It uses excess energy, it leaves clothes more wrinkled (requiring additional ironing), and it wears fabric faster. The next time you do laundry, challenge yourself to remove clothing when it’s a bit damp.
_(We’ve given you 30 days for this challenge...
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Reset your thermostat
Did you know that you can save about 10% annually on heating and cooling costs by adjusting your thermostat 10-15° from the usual setting during 8 hours of the day? So, for example, if your heater is generally set at 68-70° in the winter, try setting it back to 58° during the day. Or better yet...
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Plant a tree
Deciduous trees save energy by shading you in summer and, after they’ve shed their leaves, letting sunlight heat your home in winter. This process is most energy-efficient when trees are planted on the south, east and west sides of a house. Today, celebrate Arbor Day and give a gift to the earth...
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Test for air leaks
Leaky homes use more energy. Here’s a neat trick for testing yours: hold a lit incense stick near windows, doors, electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, outlets, ceiling fixtures and attic hatches. If the smoke moves horizontally instead of rising, you may have found a leak that requires sealing...
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Run fully loaded
Fewer loads reduce energy output and water usage. The next time you do dishes or laundry, challenge yourself to start washers only when they’re completely filled.
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Seal your home
Sealing your home’s envelope—walls, floor, ceiling and roof—can save up to 10% on annual energy costs. Some tips:
• Reduce drafts by adding weather stripping to windows and doors
• Caulk ducts, plumbing and other openings, starting in the attic
• Seal uncaulkable areas with expandable foam...
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Clean your refrigerator coils
You’ve probably never heard about this energy saving tip before. How do you do it? The first step is to go to your local hardware store and buy a coil-cleaning brush. Next, unplug your refrigerator and move it away from the wall. (It’s a good idea to invite a friend over to help.) Now, use the coil...
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Make a water heater cozy
An insulating blanket wrapped around your water heater can help lower your energy bill. How? It helps the heater retain heat. Insulating blankets are easy to set up and cheap to buy. (They’re usually about $10 at a local hardware store.)
This weekend, schedule a trip to the hardware store to...
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Wash all your laundry in cold water
When you use cold water to wash both darks and whites, you reduce your gas consumption. An added bonus is that you also preserve the wear and tear on your clothes.
The next time you do laundry, challenge yourself to only use cold water. After a few months, pat yourself on the back when you...
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Adjust your computer’s energy settings
Depending on your computer, there are several ways to adjust its settings to make it energy efficient during the day. For example, on a PC there’s a difference between ‘standby’ and ‘hibernate’ for when you walk away from your desk. Standby conserves power, but doesn’t save your computer memory to...
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Give your car a breather
Think about millions of parents all over the world waiting in their idling cars for their children to come out of school. Now add up all that wasted gas and air pollution. Although it may not seem like much when you’re alone in your car idling for a few minutes, when you take into account everyone...
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Turn off your computer
Lots of us like the convenience of leaving our computers ‘asleep’ or in ‘hibernate’ rather than turning them off when we’re done every day. But this daily habit wastes energy.
Today, when you’re done at work shut off your computer before leaving the office. Or, if you’re at home do the same...
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Turn down your water heater thermostat
In a typical household, the water heater thermostat is often set to 140 degrees F. But did you know that 120 is usually fine? Why is this important for the earth? Well, according to Power Scorecard (founded by leading environmental organizations and scientists), each 10 degree reduction saves 600...
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Try “slow laundry”
Ever heard of the “slow food” movement, which emphasizes the enjoyment and preparation of foods? Well, here’s a slight variation on that theme. Slow laundry aims to get more people line drying their clothing to conserve energy. And then there’s the benefit of slowing down in general. Life is more...
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Check your air filters
Did you know that dirty filters on your furnace or air conditioner restrict the airflow, causing them to run longer and increasing your energy consumption? By changing your filters every month, you can reduce your energy consumption by 1 to 2% per month.
Today, add checking your air filters to...
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Turn down your refrigerator
Did you know that refrigerators account for about 20% of the average household’s electricity use? Today, cut down on your energy consumption by using a thermometer to raise your refrigerator temperature to the most efficient level.
Your refrigerator temperature should be as close to 37°F and...
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Turn off the water when you brush
Today when you brush your teeth turn off the water after you wet your brush and leave it off until you rinse. Even small everyday gestures make a difference for the environment.
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Change your light bulbs
Artificial lighting accounts for 15% of the typical household's energy use. By using new lighting technologies like compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) you could reduce your lighting energy use by 50 to 70%. This weekend, make a trip to your local hardware store and buy some CFLs. Then, change...
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Unplug your electronics
Even when they are not being used, electronics - like coffee makers, TVs, and stereos - consume some energy. Today or tomorrow before you leave the house, unplug any electronics that aren't being used.
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Reduce your junk mail
Drowning in junk mail? The earth is too. Most junk mail is not printed on recycled paper and ends up in landfills. In the next 24 hours, contact a few of your most prolific junk mail companies and request to be taken off their mailing lists. If you’re receiving huge amounts of junk, another tactic...
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Shorten your shower
When you reduce your shower time you not only save money on your water bill, you also conserve water and energy. The next time you hop in the shower, start a timer and see how quickly you can get clean.
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Forego the bag
If you go shopping during the next 24 hours, carry a convenient fold-up cloth bag with you. Tell the cashiers you can skip the bag.
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Cook a one-pot meal
Using one pot to cook an entire meal makes a lot of sense. For starters, when different foods simmer together their flavors blend in delicious ways. And then there's the added bonus of energy efficiency. (After all, when you cook in one pot, there's a lot less to clean up later.) Make an effort in...