Causes for Energy Use

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          In this day and age, energy seems so abundant that few people stop to think about how much they are actually using. Energy use is extravagant and unsustainable in America. Most people think that “going green” requires sacrifice, that green products cost more money, and that to be responsible consumers, their budgets need to suffer. This is simply not the case. Any time that a person saves energy in their own home, they also save money. Almost always, the use of energy and resources are linked with cost: the less energy someone uses, the less money it will cost, and vice versa. There is a lack of education in America about how helping the environment also benefits people and their wallets.

Solutions for Energy Use

          There are many simple ways to save energy and money. You can look around on this website and many others to find ways to help the environment and your wallet at the same time. For example, while CFL light bulbs do cost more at the counter, they pay for themselves in roughly 6 months, use 75% less power, and last 10 times longer than incandescent light bulbs. This is a huge saving, for a small investment.

A phantom load (known also as vampire draw and standby power) is the power consumed by an electrical device that is switched off, but is still plugged in, or is on standby. Before federal regulations were put in place, phantom loads could account for 10% of a residences energy use. One tenth of a home’s power used on things that aren’t even on! While regulations have helped to drastically reduce the size of phantom loads, they still exist, and still cost money. Simply unplugging devices when not in use can save hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.

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           Because fewer transportation costs are involved, locally grown food is cheaper than at a supermarket and better for the environment. Food at farmers markets is also fresher and has fewer preservatives.

Using the cold-water cycle in a washing machine saves approximately $60 per year and saves energy. Clothing lines eliminate all energy used by a dryer, cutting down on half of laundry costs when the weather is good. These are just a few ways to cut your energy bill, water bill and carbon footprint. Use fans instead of air conditioning, or wear sweaters instead of using central heating. Put a brick or a gallon container full of sand in the tank of your toilet to reduce flow.

         The most important thing to remember is that helping the environment doesn’t have to be expensive or inconvenient. In fact, it is usually cheaper and easier to save energy, money and the environment all at the same time.

Improved Energy Use

Overuse of Energy on Appliances

(Unnecessary Use of Energy)

 -Promote Simplicity & Make It Fun

            - Bikes, outside activities, family/group activities.  

            -Unplugging electronics/Shutting off House Days

            -Stop buying w/e for a week. Keep from even producing trash.

            -Give information on Farmers Markets, recycling plants, etc.

            -Show Benefits to people – Money, health, etc.

Original Research

- Laptops use approximately 40 watts per sitting. Desktops use  approximately 150 volts per sitting.

- Using a clothes line instead of a dryer saves on energy, and utilizes natural, safe energy.

- Reducing phantom loads can greatly reduce electric bills. 75% of the electricity used in a home is used on a phantom load, which means that the electricity is used by the object when it is not powered on.

- CFL light bulbs pay for themselves in roughly 6 months, use 75% less power, and last 10 times longer than incandescent lightbulbs.

- Using the cold-water cycle in a washing machine saves approximately $60 per year.

- Lowering the temperature a few degrees before guests arrive saves money, because a room (house) full of people will generate heat due to many bodies in close quarters.

- Installing motion sensors on outside lights reduces the use of energy when the light is not required.

Works Cited

Howard, B. (n.d.). Easy Energy Conservation Tips - 7 Easy Ways to Save Energy –

The Daily Green . Going Green, Fuel Efficiency, Organic Food, and Green

Living - The Daily Green . Retrieved March 22, 2012, from http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/7-energy-savers-460608

Rosner, S. (2009, July 21). 10 Easy Ways to Save on Energy at Home. Organic Gardening,

Modern Homesteading, Renewable Energy, Green Homes, DIY Projects – MOTHER EARTH NEWS. Retrieved March 22, 2012, from http://www.motherearthnews.com/Renewable-Energy/Save-Money-On-Energy.aspx

Save energy, save money, cars, 25 simple ways to save. (n.d.). Consumer Reports: Expert

product reviews and product Ratings from our test labs. Retrieved March 22, 2012, from http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/resource-center/saving-on-energy-costs/25-simple-ways-to-save/saving-on-energy-costs-simple-ways-to-save.htm