1. Everyone wants their homes to look their best, and the kitchen is no exception. When redecorating, try a few energy saving and eco-friendly home decorating tips. Not only will your space look its best, but you'll be saving the environment along the way.
2. Before you run your dishwasher, make sure it is full to minimize any waste. (Dishes are not the only things you can clean in the dishwasher). Also once the dishwasher has ran, turn off the drying cycle to let the contents air dry. This simple act can save up to 1,200 watts per dry cycle.
3. Have you ever thought about turning down your hot water heater?
4. When cooking be mindful of what pots and pans you use to prepare your meals. Pots that are too small for the burners can cause you to use more energy that you realize. Using the microwave to heat something instead of the oven, and the use of glass pans can also help reduce you energy use.
5. Unplug any appliances when they aren't in use. Coffeemakers and toasters are perfect examples of what to unplug. Check out others- 25 appliances you can unplug to save electricity.
6. When it comes to appliances, another step to take is to make sure they are not hogging energy. Appliances can be responsible for around 18% of your energy bill. The biggest culprit? Your fridge. For any appliances that are more than 10 years old, it is suggested that you take the step and purchase a new, energy efficient model, ones marked with the "Energy Star" logo. This can save from 10%-50% less energy and water used in your household.
7. There are so many ways you can cut water usage in your kitchen and in your house! Here are 100+ Ways to Conserve Water.
WATCH OUR VIDEO ABOUT
SAVING WATER WHEN WASHING DISHES
8. Reusable shopping bags are a must! Keep them in the back of your car for every time you go shopping - no more wasting paper or plastic.
9. When boiling water, invest in a glass "Pot Watcher". Its saves energy by keeping you from letting your water boil for too long. When your water starts to boil, the disk will clatter which lets you know your water is ready to use.
10. Check your fridge's temperature. It should be between 37 and 40 degrees, and your freezer should be between 0 and 5 degrees. Keeping them only 10 degrees cooler than necessary can raise your energy use by 25%.
4. When cooking be mindful of what pots and pans you use to prepare your meals. Pots that are too small for the burners can cause you to use more energy that you realize. Using the microwave to heat something instead of the oven, and the use of glass pans can also help reduce you energy use.
5. Unplug any appliances when they aren't in use. Coffeemakers and toasters are perfect examples of what to unplug. Check out others- 25 appliances you can unplug to save electricity.
6. When it comes to appliances, another step to take is to make sure they are not hogging energy. Appliances can be responsible for around 18% of your energy bill. The biggest culprit? Your fridge. For any appliances that are more than 10 years old, it is suggested that you take the step and purchase a new, energy efficient model, ones marked with the "Energy Star" logo. This can save from 10%-50% less energy and water used in your household.
7. There are so many ways you can cut water usage in your kitchen and in your house! Here are 100+ Ways to Conserve Water.
WATCH OUR VIDEO ABOUT
SAVING WATER WHEN WASHING DISHES
8. Reusable shopping bags are a must! Keep them in the back of your car for every time you go shopping - no more wasting paper or plastic.
9. When boiling water, invest in a glass "Pot Watcher". Its saves energy by keeping you from letting your water boil for too long. When your water starts to boil, the disk will clatter which lets you know your water is ready to use.
10. Check your fridge's temperature. It should be between 37 and 40 degrees, and your freezer should be between 0 and 5 degrees. Keeping them only 10 degrees cooler than necessary can raise your energy use by 25%.
Statistics and Research via EnergizeCorvallis.org | RealEstate.MSN.com | WaterUseItWisely.com | bonafideGreenGoods.com | ThisOldHouse.com
