20 Easy Ways To Conserve & Save The Environment
http://indianapublicmedia.org/amomentofscience/20-easy-ways/
By MARGARET APRISON
Posted April 18, 2011
Photo: Marty M. Ito (flickr)
Time to evaluate your energy choices.
With Earth Day right around the corner, A Moment of Science decided to learn how to better conserve natural resources. Try some of our tips and add your own in the comments section!
The Top 20:
- Make sure to use your clothes washer and dryer when you have a full load. You could save 1,000 gallons/month!
- Water your lawn during the evening, when it is cooler and dryer. Watering in the morning, when it is hot and dry, leads to water evaporation.
- Pick up some earth-bags at your local grocery store. Say no to both, “paper” and “plastic!”
- Replace your old light bulbs with energy saving fluorescent bulbs. Sure, they may cost more money, but you will save on your energy bill in the future and they last longer.
- Try shortening your shower by just a minute. You could save 150 gallons/month!
- Skip the dishwasher built-in dry option and simply air dry your dishes.
- Collect rainwater and save it to water your lawn.
- Get rid ofobjects containing mercury in your home. They’re a health risk and harmful to the environment.
- Set your fridge to be between 36-38 F degrees and freezer to be between 0-5 F degrees.
- Save those pesky wire hangers and return them to your neighborhood dry cleaner.
- UNPLUG unused appliances. Even when powered off, plugged-in appliances use electricity.
- Plant trees to shade your home. You can save money on air conditioning.
- Print double-sided. If possible, advocate to make your office or school paper-free.
- Buy used furniture and re-purpose it. You save money and trees (plus, create original furniture!)
- Close vents and doors in unused rooms.
- Buy a stylish ceramic mug for your daily cup of coffee instead of using a disposable cup.
- Wrap your water heater in an insulated blanket.
- Try a dimmer switch. They’re easy to install and save energy!
- Turn yourcomputer off when you go to sleep.
- Make sure to inflate your tires properly. This preserves the life of the tires, creates a safer ride, and saves gas.
Make A Pledge
Check out the Earth Day website and make your green pledge and learn more ways to help the environment.
Read More:
- 100 Ways to Save the Environment (Sustainable Environment for Quality of Life)
- 365 Ways to Save Energy (Carroll Energy Solutions)
- 10 Ways To Conserve Energy (Squidoo)
- 100 Ways To Conserve (Water, Use It Wisely)