Step 1: Changing Your Light Bulbs!
So remember, switch from regular light bulbs to fluorescent light bulbs to save money and help the environment.
Step 2: Appliances!
"ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices."
In layman's terms, this means that by making appliances more energy efficient, it will save you money and save the environment.
This is another easy way to save energy. Say you are out buying things for your new house. You need a Television, Washer, Dryer, Computer, Oven, and DVD Player. All of these items have Energy Star approved models! That way, you can save a lot of money compared to having non-energy star approved appliances.
Step 3: Very Basic Ways to Save Energy
-Turn off your lights!
Just turn off your lights when you leave the room. This conserves a lot of energy.
-Natural Heat and Air Conditioning
Summer is the best time to save energy. You don't need an Air Conditioner where I live, (Oregon High Desert) because the nights are cool and the days are hot. So open all of your windows a small bit at night, and close them before it gets hot in the morning. This way you don't need the air conditioner on all day, because the house will have all the cool air from the past night in it.
Turn off your lamps and room lights during the day! Natural sunlight is brighter, and studies have shown that most people work better in natural sunlight than in man-made light. Besides, I think outside looks beautiful in the summer.
Step 4: The Three R's
Reducing means not making as much trash. Ways to do this are:
Buy products with less packaging.
Make a compost bin. (My school even does this)
Turn off the faucet when you brush your teeth!
This is a great step for instructables. Reuse stuff that you would throw away, and make something out of it! Turn an old potato sack into a messenger bag! This will save you money, help you become eco-friendly, and it will look cool.
Use a reusable lunch box instead of a bag. (You can carry it in your awesome new bag!)
Use your new messenger bag to carry groceries instead of using paper or plastic bags!
Use real cups, utensils, and dishes instead of paper or plastic ones.
Anything that has small recycle symbol on it can be recycled. But all of these things in a city approved bin, and take them out to your curb. A truck will come on a specific day every week and pick it up.