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.