Unplug any seldom used electronics or appliances, like a mini fridge in a meeting room that’s rarely used or an old coffee grinder in your kitchen. If you are going away on vacation, unplug your electronics and appliances. If your fridge is full, empty it or leave it on so that the food doesn’t spoil.
You can find these in just about any store that sells lightbulbs and lamps, including home improvement stores.
Power strips are a great choice if you have multiple appliances grouped together in the same area, such as a computer, printer, scanner, etc.
This should also apply to all your other computer accessories, such as printers and scanners.
Keep your windows covered during summer days to keep out the heat and allow natural light in during winter days to heat up the room.
You can also recycle things like plastic bottles into craft projects, such as coin purses. The recycling rules will vary from city to city, so check with your city. Some places require you to sort items while others do not.
This also has an advantage in the summer, because the walls won’t absorb as much heat.
Smart thermostats also send you reports about your energy usage so you can be more in tune with how much energy you are using.
An Energy Star label signifies that an appliance is more energy-efficient than 75% of other appliances, therefore saving energy and money. [10] X Trustworthy Source Energy Star Program run by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy focused on educating consumers about energy efficiency Go to source If you live outside the U. S. , contact appliance manufacturers or local government officials to find out about similar ratings or programs in your area.
If your fridge has a power-save switch, make sure it is on, and always check that the door seals tightly. Use your microwave, rather than your oven, for reheating small items.
Use the highest spin cycle on your washing machine, as the high spin speeds remove more moisture and reduce the time needed to dry clothing. If possible, invest in a front-loading washer as they save more water and energy than top-loading washers. Consider buying a high-efficiency washing machine. These are designed to save water and require less detergent.
If your home is not well-insulated, it will trap more heat in the summer, and lose heat in the winter. This will require you to spend more energy on heating and air conditioning.
Make sure your windows are draught-proof and energy efficient, especially if you live in a colder climate.
Avoid pre-washing your dishes before you put them in the dishwasher. Limit the amount of time sprinklers are on, and make sure to only water grassy areas, rather than overspraying onto sidewalks or parking lots.
You should also do this when leaving for the weekend or vacation. Say something like: “These computers use a lot of energy when we aren’t using them. Let’s try turning them off for the night to save energy and electricity bills. "
When not in use, allow your computer to power down or hibernate rather than display a screen saver.
For example, send memos around the office by email or use a tablet for your presentation notes. Save any memos that you print out and post in the break room. Use the blank side to print the next memo on. This way, you can use the same sheet of paper twice!
You may have to perform an Internet search to find e-waste recycling programs in your area.
Your supervisor can contact your office’s energy company and ask them if they can provide GreenPower to the office to reduce the office’s energy consumption on a daily basis.
Walking or biking to work every day is a great opportunity to get in some exercise. Bring a change of clothes, or even toiletries if you can shower at the office, in case you get sweaty or dirty on the commute.
If you plant them near the building, the shade provided can even reduce the amount of air conditioning needed to cool the office in the warmer months!
