Top 10 Unconventional Ways to Save Energy

1. Car Pools and Public Transport

Being part of a carpool can help you save a lot of energy and money within weeks. Try to make your relatives and friends a part of neighborhood car pools. Otherwise, try to use more of public transport services such as buses and trams. This smart tip also helps people in creating a wider social network over time because one tends to meet newer people through car pools and public transport services.

2. Shop Carefully

Buy appliances which are Energy Star rated as these help in reducing your energy costs compared to other appliances which are not rated. Buy energy saving CFLs which use just one fourth of the energy consumed by a bulb.

3. Plant a Tree

Trees can help combat carbon emissions better than anything else. Try to plant trees in your neighborhood as often as possible.

4. Drive Intelligently

Keep your vehicles tuned and ensure that all parts are working efficiently as this saves on running costs. Check for flat tires, fuel spillages etc and when you want to buy a new car, go for a fuel efficient one. Vehicles are one of biggest sources of carbon emissions.

5. Switch to Reusable Energy

Install solar panels to heat up your house and water in the winters. Solar cookers can help people in places which face electricity problems and the best part is – solar energy is free and unlimited.

6. Use Kitchen Appliances Smartly

Carefully regulate the usage of your refrigerator by keeping the temperature maintained. Use the washing machine only on a full load and a dishwasher on energy saving settings. Buy the most energy saving models in case you replace your old appliances as these will save you hundreds in the long run.

7. Home Temperatures

Using an automatic or programmable thermostat helps to regulate the optimum temperature around the house, saving loads of energy. Nearly half the energy consumed is due to heating and cooling so try to optimize this aspect your home.

8. Home Improvements

Minor home improvements such as proper insulation on the walls and ceilings, double glazed windows, and rain water harvesting on the roof can save you a major chunk on the energy bills annually. Use light colors around the house for decor if you live in warm climes and vice verse.

9. Be a Part of the Community

If you can, try to implement simple rules in your home, society and office by encouraging co-workers, friends and relatives to take such measures. In fact, the best place to start a car pool is your office and once your friends realise how much money and energy can be saved, the feeling will eventually trickle down to other daily activities.

10. Reduce Reuse and Recycle

Finally, try to reduce your consumption habits, reuse whatever you can (such as shopping bags) and recycle all bio-degradable items such as organic waste and paper. Avoid disposable items such as glasses and lunch boxes and go for reusable ones.