5 Energy-Saving Tips

Going green can seem like a daunting undertaking for such a big, worldwide problem. But with a mind shift and accepting that your small changes can have a big impact, instituting energy saving habits can be quite easy.
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Going green can seem like a daunting undertaking for such a big, worldwide problem. But with a mind shift and accepting that your small changes can have a big impact, instituting energy-saving habits will be quite easy if you put your mind into it.

To jumpstart your new and improved green lifestyle, consider starting from home. Going green is not only earth-friendly, but can significantly save you a lot of money in the longterm as well. Here are the top five ways for saving energy at the comforts of your home:

Air dry your laundry instead of using the dryer

This is a very cost-effective and energy-saving method. A nonprofit organization called the Project Laundry List states that the usage of the dryer results in at least 6 percent of each household's electric bills. Sunlight has natural bleaching and natural disinfecting properties that get rid of stains and kill germs.

Turn off the lights if you are not using them

Get the household involved by encouraging children and family members to switch off the lights if they are not using them. Open up the drapes and make use of natural light.

Switch to compact fluorescent and LED lights

By switching to compact florescent lights, you expand the life of your light bulbs and reduce energy usage. CFLs last up to 10 times longer and use 50-80 percent less energy than conventional incandescents. LED bulbs are even more efficient. They last up to 10 times as long as compact fluorescents, and use only 2-17 watts of electricity.

Work smarter: Use the laptop, instead of the desktop

Three quarters of energy is cut down with laptop use. Unplug the laptop when the day ends. You can even invest in smart powerstrips that cut off the flow of energy when appliances hooked to it are not in use.

Stay cool or warm the eco-friendly way

Avoid using air conditioners. Open the windows, switch on the fan and reduce the use of heat-inducing appliances in the house. In the winter, insulate your windows by using heavy, long drapes. You can also stay warm by layering your clothing.

By applying these five simple green tips, you're well on your way to living the green life.

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