Category Archives: Environment

Simple ways to save energy

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Many of my day-to-day decisions are driven by conserving resources. There is simply no reason to waste energy. Not only is it unnecessary but it’s expensive. Why would I want to throw away money on purpose?

Most people try their best at:

  • Turning off the lights when not using them
  • Turning down the thermostat when leaving the house or going on vacation
  • Keeping the refrigerator and freezer doors shut when not in use
  • Fixing leaky faucets and running toilets
  • Replacing incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient ones
  • Replacing broken appliances with energy efficient ones

These are all excellent ways to save energy. Nonetheless, what I found made a huge difference in our energy bill was to unplug appliances that were not being used. Many appliances have clocks and draw energy needlessly. When we got our new gas stove, it had an electric ignition, which also powered a clock. At that point, our kitchen would have had three clocks; another clock was totally unnecessary.  Luckily, we were able to program the stove to not illuminate the clock.

This action started us to think and look at all the other appliances that were needlessly drawing energy. The microwave, VCR, television, stereo, computer, printer, and calculator – they all draw some energy while plugged in– vampire energy. Most of them are already on a power strip, so it was pretty easy to remember to simply turn them off. The others we unplugged or put on a power strip. Our first bi-monthly electric bill went down $20, and continued to remain low. It was quite amazing how easy and cost effective it was when we did this.

Most cost saving methods take a bit of time and effort but after awhile they become part of our daily routine and are not a big deal. Besides, why do you want to simply give away your hard earned money? Most of all, conserving our valuable resources is better for you, your family and our planet.

What do you do to save energy in your home? Please share and I will continue to share.

Walking the dog and cleaning up the earth

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My dear friend and I have very enthusiastic conversations about conservation, plastic, and recycling, to mention a few. We tend to open each other’s eyes to different viewpoints. However, I have to admit, I think he is coming around to my side of the table. Even so, he has definitely opened my eyes to facts I never thought about.

I am not a big fan of plastic. Yes, it does have its place in our society, especially in hospitals and plumbing. However, I try my best to avoid it when ever possible and use some alternative, canvas bags, metal or glass jars and containers, instead of plastic; you get the picture.

My friend lives in San Francisco and needs to walk his dog several times a day. Of course he also cleans up when the dog relieves himself. The other day he proudly told me about his resourceful way of cleaning up his dog’s poop, the neighborhood, and reusing those dreadful vegetable plastic bags he collects when shopping at the grocery store. He knows I don’t and has informed me about how disgusting shopping carts are – they are rarely ever cleaned and some are used by people to store their possessions who don’t have regular access to bathing facilities. I guess they do get very gross and, yes, I just put my produce in them. I wash my produce, for sure, but now I wash them very well.

He told me he uses empty vegetable and bread bags to pick up after his dog. And during the walk, he picks up any trash along the way. When the bag is full, he simply deposits it into a trashcan.  I have to admit this is a fabulous idea. He no longer needs to buy little poop bags and reuses the bags from his produce and bread. Brilliant!

What do you reuse?  Please share and I will continue to share.