Energy Conservation Equals Going Green
By Lex11 Braxtor11
Not sure where to begin when it comes to conserving energy? What most people do not realise is that conservation does not have to be some annoying extra chore to do each day. Instead, it should be as effortless and fluid as brushing your hair or tying your shoes, and just like any other normal activity you do in a day. Simply a little research into how to go live greener you will realize that you don’t need to spend a lot of money or make any big life changes in order to reap the rewards.
1. Turn off that switch: Saving electricity is one of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint, and the best bit is that it’s as easy as flicking a switch. Make sure that lights are turned off when you leave a room and that you turn computers off after using them. Avoid leaving appliances on standby mode – it is estimated that this accounts for 6 per cent of the average household’s energy use.

2. Think before you wash: Make sure dishwashers and washing machines are loaded to the brim and packed properly before you turn them on. You should also look for eco-friendly washing powder and turn the temperature of your wash down – a great way to save both money and the environment with no added effort on your part.


3. Turn down appliances: If your household has a thermostat then turn down the temperature –

it doesn’t need to be running at 90 degrees centigrade to function properly. You can also save power by setting your fridge and freezer to a reasonable temperature, which should help prevent ice build up as well. The websites of major power companies, such as British Gas, offer further advice on how to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint.

4. Keep your tyres pumped: No need to give up the car altogether – by making small changes such as keeping your tyres pumped up you can easily cut your carbon emissions. Since new cars – even hybrid ones – take a good deal of energy to produce, you can actually benefit the environment by keeping your old model roadworthy for as long as possible.

5. Avoid certain foods: Many supermarkets now offer the chance to buy organic and locally sourced products. Where possible, look for food that has been grown in the UK without pesticides. You should also be aware of the foods that use the most energy to produce and pack –eating prawns and shrimps, for example, will hugely increase your carbon footprint. Another great way to minimise your carbon footprint is to reduce the amount of meat you eat on a daily basis.

Remember, saving the environment doesn’t have to be a chore – it can be a great way to save cash and improve your health with very little effort on your part.
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