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October is National Energy Awareness Month. Here are some tips to help reduce your carbon footprint and conserve energy.
At home
Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs. They use at least 75% less energy, and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.
Set your refrigerator temperature between 35 and 45F. Use the power-save switch if you have one.Wash full loads of clothes when possible. When smaller loads are necessary, use less water.
Choose Energy Star certified major appliances as they use about 15 – 35% less power than other appliances.
Pay attention to the EU energy efficiency label. A+++ is the most efficient, and D is the least efficient, based on the product’s energy consumption. If possible iron all your clothes at one time.
Turn off your dishwasher after the wash cycle — let your dishes air-dry. You’ll save energy and keep your dishwasher from heating up your kitchen.
Set your dishwashers on economy mode.
Match your pot size to the burner on your stove. Heat is lost when small pots are used on large burners.
At work
Unplug electronics and appliances when not in use – Leaving a computer on all day can cost about 21 cents per day, or about $75 per year.
Use multiple-outlet strips, which can turn everything off with the flip of a switch. Ensure they are used safely.
Take advantage of natural daylight: turn off or dim lighting when the sun is shining.
Print only when necessary. This will not only reduce paper wastage but also helps to cut energy required to run a printer.
REPORT lights or heating left on in unoccupied buildings to DPW !
During leisure time
Fly wisely - Air travel is often the most energy consuming aspect of a travel. Compare air travelling versus road or rail. Stay longer in a destination instead of making many short trips.
Book responsibly - When choosing your hotel, tour operator, or other service providers, select ones that have good sustainability practices. Look for information on the company’s environmental initiatives.
Unplug before you leave—Turn off lights and unplug household appliances that can be left unplugged while you are away.
Choose greener ways to get around - such as public transportation (bus, train, city car, etc.) and alternative modes of transportation (walking, bicycle, non-motorized vehicles, etc.)
