| It's no secret... | | | | Consumption Daily |
| We all want to save money and do our part to help | | | | A great place to start is with your home computer. |
| the environment. It's the right thing to do. However, | | | | Turn it off when not in use or at least set it to a |
| knowing where to start can be the most difficult | | | | lower power setting (Computers left running |
| part. That's why I've included in this article some | | | | consume electricity and generate heat that your AC |
| simple-yet-powerful steps you can take every day | | | | must cool off.), turn your thermostat up a degree or |
| to make big changes over time. | | | | two and use ceiling fans whenever possible. |
| With each of these great ideas there is an initial | | | | Periodically check for lights left on - inside and out - |
| investment of time, effort, or money, but over time | | | | as well as fans running in empty rooms. Also, close |
| they compound and can make a very significant | | | | AC vents and doors to rooms not being used. |
| difference in your carbon footprint, feeling better | | | | And the #1 way you can laugh at energy prices and |
| about helping the environment and yes, even your | | | | save the environment is... |
| budget. | | | | #1 Generate Your Own Renewable Energy |
| So let's get going. #5 is... | | | | Yes, you really can! And, it's alot easier than you |
| #5 Reduce The amount Of Heat Entering Through | | | | think. |
| Your Windows | | | | Consider this. There are actually 2 quick and easy |
| Installing double pane windows is ideal, but also very | | | | ways to generate renewable energy yourself; solar |
| effective are sunshades, sunscreens or plants in front | | | | and wind. You see, if you do a quick search online for |
| of windows that face the sun during the hottest part | | | | do-it-yourself home solar panels and wind turbines, |
| of the day. | | | | you'll find that either can be built for as little as |
| #4 Reduce Your Water Usage | | | | $100-$200. Pretty much everything you need can be |
| Install low-flow shower heads and water-saving | | | | found at your local hardware store and Radio Shack. |
| toilets, limit shower times, turn off the water when | | | | These investments will pay for themselves in only a |
| brushing your teeth, and only water your grass very | | | | matter of months. |
| early in the morning or after sundown. | | | | And here's the best part. When you generate more |
| #3 Laundry time! | | | | energy than you consume, your electric company will |
| Avoid using the hottest water settings if possible and | | | | happily send you a check instead of a bill! How neat is |
| line dry your clothes if you can. Washers and dryers | | | | that? This process is called "net metering". It's |
| are second in energy consumption only to your AC, | | | | perfectly legal and electric companies love it because |
| but they also consume water, gas, and cleansers. | | | | it reduces the amount of energy they have to |
| #2 Take An "Active" Role In Reducing Your Energy | | | | generate. |