Even though it doesn’t seem obvious, there actually is a direct connection between saving energy at home and preserving our environment. When we as people consume less power, we actually reduce the amount of pollution by cutting the fumes released by power plants. We also conserve natural resources and protect various ecosystems from destruction. If you still are not sold on this concept, let’s see how saving energy saves the Earth and how you can actually preserve energy at home.
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Preventing the Climate Change and Protecting the Air
When power plants have to produce electric energy, they release significant amounts of pollutants into the air. That’s just how those power plants work at the moment. However, when people and companies decide to cut down on their energy usage, power plants produce less energy, thus reducing the amount of toxic fumes being released into the air. Additionally, to produce all that energy for households, company offices, and other buildings, power plants rely on burning crude oil, fossil fuels, or coal. This results in a lot of carbon and sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in our air.
As we all know well, carbon dioxide and other fumes are the biggest airborne pollutants that create a greenhouse effect on the planet. This further goes on to heat up the planet more, causing climate change, among many other things. So, it is safe to say that the less power we consume, the less of it is produced.
Conserving Natural Resources
Natural resources are quite limited. When you decide to cut back on your energy use, you help conserve those resources. Otherwise, those very limited natural resources would be used by power plants. Once again we come to the same conclusion – the less demand for energy, the fewer natural resources are used. By simply watching how much energy you use in your home, you can help preserve trees, coal, natural gas, and many other resources.
Saving Ecosystems and Animals
Believe it or not, excessive use of energy can harm ecosystems and animals. In order to create all that power, power plants need to get to the resources, and those resources are found in nature. That is why we mine, log, and extract materials from nature. This further depletes animals of their natural habitats and destroys already fragile ecosystems. Additionally, as oils and fuels often need to be transported, we have the risk of oil spills that do occur and wreak havoc on the underwater species.
How Can You Help Save the Earth?
We all know how troubled energy consumption is. Especially when it comes to natural habitats, animals, and natural resources. Those are the exact reasons why many people are trying to play their part in saving the Earth. It all starts with your home and how you can reduce energy consumption. Plus, it will also lower your energy bills.
Insulate Your Home
Insulation in your home plays a huge role in saving energy, the environment, and your wallet. Good insulation for walls will keep inside during the winter, and keep the cool air inside during the hot summer days. This further results in using the AC or heaters to produce more heat or cool down your home. However, when insulating, don’t just stop at the walls. You can also insulate your attic, floors, basement, and crawlspace which only increases the energy efficiency of your home. Insulation is an investment, but it is an investment worth your while.
Adjust Your Daily Habits
In order to reduce energy usage in your home, you don’t have to instantly buy energy-efficient products. You can significantly lower your energy use by simply turning off lights when you don’t need them. Also, you can turn off and unplug appliances that you don’t use, and prevent them from still using power even though they are off. Plus, you can make sure you are reusing and recycling as many items at home as you can.
Another way to decrease energy use is to perform some household tasks manually instead of using appliances. For example, you can hang-dry your clothes, especially if the days are sunny, and avoid that energy-consuming drier. Another example is washing your dishes manually, especially if you have just a few items to wash. By changing your day-to-day behaviors, you can significantly lower the need for electric energy, which then saves the Earth and lowers your energy bills in the long run.
Switch to LED Lights
Traditional light bulbs (incandescent light bulbs) consume much more energy than LEDs. If you know you have a large number of those traditional bulbs in the house, maybe it’s time to switch them for LEDs. Halogen incandescent bulbs, and light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs), and compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), are all great alternatives for your house’s lighting. What’s more, they last 3 to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs and can save you up to 80 percent electricity. And if you are unsure which bulbs to purchase, always look for the ENERGY STAR label and you cannot make a mistake. Plus, all those lights now come in softer and warmer yellow hues, so you don’t have to worry about your home looking too sterile.
Rely on Energy-Efficient Appliances
“If you have the room in your budget, you can replace all the old appliances with energy-efficient models. While energy-efficient appliances may have a hefty upfront investment cost, in the long-run they save a ton of hard-earned cash on your monthly utility bills, as well as unit maintenance. The good news is that finding an efficient appliance is as simple as looking for an Energy Star certification badge. These appliances can range from washers, heaters right through to energy efficient air conditioners.
For example, if you invest in an energy-efficient clothes washer, each washing cycle will use up to 20-percent less energy and much less water than traditional washers. So, not only are you saving energy, you are also reducing your carbon footprint through conserving water, and contributing to saving the planet!”
Do Some Work on the Windows
Windows can actually help your home become more energy efficient. If you have old windows and notice any breaks and cracks, make sure to immediately fix them so they won’t leak air. This little fix can make sure no cold air is coming in or out of your house, depending on the season.
Additionally, you can install energy-efficient windows. If you want to prevent heat loss, then you can replace single-pane windows with double-pane ones. Double-pain products will save you so much on electricity as they won’t waste any cool air during the summer or warm air during the winter days.
As you can see, the energy efficiency of your home is closely related the saving the environment. There are amazing and easy steps to take to change your daily energy consumption which will result in less heat on Earth, saved animals and their natural habitats.