What are some ways do you conserve energy?

United States
December 4, 2006 8:15am CST
I was curious what ways people conserve energy. I'm big on taking care of the earth and what not and am always looking for new things to try. Some of the things I do is : car pool with my hubby, recycle cans, use more energy efficient light bulbs, try to turn off lights when I'm not in the room, keep it a little cool in the winter, try not to use too many plastic baggies and bags. Give me some ideas people!!!
2 people like this
9 responses
@Modestah (11179)
• United States
20 Feb 08
one small way is I use dishpans for washing my dishes in - and then take that water and use it for the plants... the food particles and dish soap are beneficial to the plants and I save the little bit of energy it takes to pump the water through the hose to do the same thing. When I do not feel like taking the buckets out I will sometimes use the water to flush the commode. Keep the not in use appliances unplugged - such as the toaster oven, coffee pot, radio, vcr etc. until such time as you wish to use them.
1 person likes this
• United States
20 Feb 08
Thank you. That's really interesting about the dishwater!
5 Dec 06
I asked the very same question! I turn off the water when cleaning my teeth, this saves a surprising amount! I also wash my clothes at 10 degrees less than usual, this saves a huge amount! I don't use plastic carrier bags from the supermarket, I use the material ones you can buy and reuse. I don't leave any tv's on standby and unplug all phone chargers even when they're not in use because this still uses electricity. I also have energy saving lightbulbs right through my house.
@sweetcakes (3504)
• United States
4 Dec 06
Don't leave lights on when no one is in the room. If you are going to be out of the room for more than five minutes, turn off the light. If you know of a light that everyone forgets to turn off, make a sticker or a sign to hang next to the switch that says "Lights Out!" or "Don't Forget!" Where possible, use compact fluorescent light bulbs. Those funny-looking bulbs produce the same amount of light by using 1/4 of the electricity. Plus, they last for years and years without burning out.
@Modestah (11179)
• United States
20 Feb 08
good advice, even better than the flourescents which cost a few dollars a year and last 4 or 5 years - try lcd lights - they cost pennies a year (like 6 cents) and last twice as long.
@iluvujoy (311)
• Philippines
5 Dec 06
I am concerned also with conserving energy. I usually turn off the refrigerator if am using the iron. Then I turn off all the lights if am going to bed. I hope that help conserve energy.
@precy828 (1294)
• Philippines
4 Dec 06
well, in conserving energy,if you don't need the things that are plugged in your socket,try to unplug it because according to my friend,it is aquiring energy even if not in use.also,try to use white polycarbonate for your kitchen so that you don't need extra light whenever you are cooking.it could save energy because it's natural light.
@precy828 (1294)
• Philippines
4 Dec 06
i'm really sorry about the picture.it's not supposed to be there but it kept on posting it.i am really sorry.
• United States
4 Dec 06
Thanks!
• India
5 Dec 06
mine is 13
@sierdij (853)
• Philippines
4 Dec 06
Unplug the wires if you're not using it.
@blueman (16509)
• India
4 Dec 06
the best thing is to start from your home. like turning lights off when not in use.
@jediwa72 (204)
• United States
4 Dec 06
with the exception of the bathroom i don't turn on a single light on during the day and at night i try to light candles, etc. also, using the a/c is cheaper than rolling down the windows in your car...by quite a bit actually. during the winter try sealing your windows so that you don't require too much extra heat. i keep my heat off during the day and tough it out and only turn it on during the night. when cooking try to do it all in one pan....ex. fry up your meet then remove it and make the rest...this of course depends on what your making but one pot meals help to keep you from using 10 different burners at once. reuse your towel twice. don't leave your washcloth in the sink...drape it over instead. also, throwing your wash cloths in the dishwasher with the other dishes cleans them pretty good as long as they aren't disgusting to begin with. okay, there you go:)