2008 Energy Forum

Legislators and enlightened corporations are making news with their attempts to curb energy use and strive for a greener tomorrow, but there are plenty of household initiatives you can take on a smaller scale to do your part for the planet. Try these household tips to keep your own energy footprint as small as possible:Adapt to the weather Some people like to live in an igloo in the summer and a sauna in the winter. Trying to conquer nature with an equal and opposite force, using the thermostat as your trusty weapon is ultimately an environmentally irresponsible endeavor. Don’t go so far as to make yourself actively uncomfortable, but try to adapt to cooler temperatures in the winter and balmier summer months. After all, in the privacy of your own home you can always wear as much or as little clothing as you want in order to help with the adjustment. Use the right light On a bright day perhaps you can go without turning the lights on at all, relying almost entirely on natural light. However, at night time and when it’s overcast out, it will likely be necessary to flip the switch just to function. Still, walking into your fully lit apartment shouldn’t feel like stepping into a tanning bed. Use the lowest wattage necessary to adequately light your room towards its purpose. Obviously, a home office may require more light than say a bedroom. Also, when purchasing light bulbs, splurge a bit for the more energy efficient options. They may cost a little more on the front end but will save you more over time with their increased longevity and lower utility costs. Keep current on appliances Need a new refrigerator? Go ahead and get one. Larger appliances in particular are much more energy efficient today than they were 10 or 20 years ago, when the global green kick was less of a manufacturing priority. Also, for appliances that don’t require constant power, unplug them whenever they are not in use.