There are plenty of little steps that people can take at home to help save the environment.How to Save the Environment at Home
While the eco-footprint of each step is small, thousands of people doing the same thing
can make a difference. In making some small changes to the way that you do things at home,
you are gradually making a difference, even as an individual. You will kill costs and improve
your health at the same time, so helping to save the environment isn't a totally altruistic
exercise!
1. Turn off appliances when you are not using them. Up to 30% of power used by
TVs is used while they are turned off, so buy power strips and just flip the switch on the
power strip, because they use far less energy while turned off.
2. Lower the thermostat by a few degrees in winter (specially in colder regions).
An extra layer of blanket will not only keep you cozy but will help to reduce your electricity
bill significantly.
3. Switch to compound fluorescent light bulbs. They last longer and consume one-quarter
of the energy. Lately, LED lamps have started to pick up the pace too -- they are up to ten
times as effective as fluorescent, and totally blow incandescent bulbs off the chart
4. Turn off the lights. Always turn off the lights when you are not using them. Rooms that
are lit with nobody in them are wasteful.
5. Buy rechargeable batteries for devices used frequently.
In the Kitchen
1. Recycle, recycle, recycle. Some cities already require people to sort their trash into
paper, metals, glass, and organic waste. Even if your city doesn't, you can launch a
growing trend. Set up four separate waste baskets, and make sure the contents end up
in the appropriate recycle bins.
2. Avoid Creating Trash. Avoid disposable products, such as plates, cups, napkins and
cutlery. Use reusable towels and dish washing cloths in place of paper towels and
disposable dish sponges.
3. Air dry your dishes. Stop the dishwasher before the dryer cycle commences. Leave
the door slightly ajar (or more open if you have the space) and let the dishes air-dry.
The drying cycle of the dishwasher consumes a lot of energy.
4. Update your refrigerator. Fridges are the most energy intensive appliance in a
house. This means that a poorly maintained and energy inefficient fridge is costing
you money, let alone adding its burden to the atmosphere. Recent fridges use 40%
less energy than fridges of 10 years ago. If you do decide to upgrade the fridge,
make sure that you buy for its excellent energy rating, longevity and durability and
that you have the old fridge recycled.
Presented by
____________ Himanshu