Tips to Save Electricity and Water

Save Money and the Environment by Conserving Expendable Resources

© Melissa Howard

Apr 25, 2008

Water and Electricity Savers

• Always wait until your washer and dishwasher are full before running them.

Electricity Savers

• Use the air-dry setting to dry the dishes in your dishwasher. If an air-dry setting is unavailable, then turn off the dishwasher when it finishes rinsing (before the dry cycle). If you open the door of your dishwasher after the rinse cycle; the dishes will dry much more quickly. Note: It is important to remember to turn the dishwasher off when you do this. Otherwise, when you shut the door after emptying the dishwasher, it will go ahead and dry your empty dishwasher.
• Remove lint from your dryer’s lint trap after every load.
• Hang clothes up to dry whenever possible.
• Turn your hot water heater down to the lowest practical setting to allow everyone hot showers. Stagger the bath times so that lower temperature setting on the hot water heater will still provide everyone warm showers.
• Always adjust your thermostat before you leave the house.
• Turn down your thermostat in the winter. Turn up your thermostat in the summer. Dress accordingly to maintain your comfort.
• Turn of lights when not using them.
• Switch to compact fluorescent bulbs.
• If you only use your computer for a few hours in the morning and then don’t look at it until nighttime, turn it off. Do not leave your computer running all day.
• Unplug appliances that aren’t in use.
• Plan so that your hair has time to air dry. It saves you the electricity of running a blow-dryer and it is better for your hair.
• If you drink iced tea, don’t use boiling water to brew it. Use the time-honored method of our ancestors and brew it in the sun. To make sun tea place 6-12 tea bags in a gallon jar, add water, and place in the sun for several hours for delicious tea. There is some danger in brewing sun tea by this method. To find out more about the dangers and to learn about the safe alternative, refrigerator tea read the article Steep Risk.

Water Savers

• Take a shower rather than a bath.
• Take shorter showers.
• Always turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
• When washing your hands, turn on the water to damp them, and then turn it off while you lather your hands. Turn on the water again to rinse.
• Save water in the kitchen. When you drain noodles or clean produce, save the water to use for watering plants in the garden.
• If you drink bottled water for taste or for purity, consider getting an under-the-sink filter installed. The initial cost may set you back a little but it will save you money and hassle for many years to come (in addition to the fact, that it is better for the environment). If an under the sink filter seems to expensive or difficult, consider a filter that attaches to your faucet or a filtration pitcher.

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