Okay, so you want to be green and play your part in conserving energy and preserving the environment. Everyone knows that using less energy, programmable thermostats and better ventilation are a key in consuming less energy. Similarly, you will be aware that cork countertops and bamboo flooring are also eco-friendly alternatives. Yes, if you are devoted to the cause, you will have probably already implemented all these measures. But we have even more effective ways that can make you greener.
Preheating the oven is not necessary
When you are using your oven for baking things that are not temperamental such as bread, there is no need for you to pre-heat your oven. So for instance, if you are going to have roasted chicken or lasagna for dinner, turn on your oven only when you have placed the dish inside. Baking something that takes over an hour to get done? In this case as well, preheating the oven is not required since it will reach the desired temperature in a very short time.
One more point to note: if you are cooking in ceramic or glass pans, you can reduce your oven temperature by as much as 25 degrees.
Unplug any appliance which is not in use
So you aren’t using that appliance until tomorrow. Why is it turned on then? Just unplug it. The Department of Energy states that the 75% of electricity for powering electronic items is consumed by appliances that are turned on and not being used.
A low flow showerhead saves water
Agreed, bathing underneath limited streams of water is not fun. But the new devices that are on the market are really smart. They allow you to adjust the water flow. How does this help in being green? Use a low rate when you are lathering and increase it when you are rinsing.
Clean the lint filter
A dirty filter in your dryer means harder work, more consumption of energy and greater amounts of produced heat. You should clean your filter after every use.
Pay bills online
Do you still get those paper based bills? Switch to online billing and you will be able to save massive amounts of paper.
So act on our advice and play your part! The environment needs our help, and together all of us can make a global change.
Source: www.rd.com
Connect with us: Facebook – Twitter – LinkedIn – YouTube – Google +