A Contributed Post: Renewable Energy & A Greener Way to Heating
In the United States, sustainable heating is growing in importance. It’s important from both a financial and environmental perspective. Below are a few facts around renewable energy in the US:
By 2050 renewable energy could provide up to 80% of the nation’s power
In 2015 $44 billion was invested in renewable energy, with around half of this going on solar and wind projects
In 2015 13.44% of all domestically produced electricity was from renewable sources
Much of these renewable energy sources are high technology systems costing many millions of dollars. If you want to make an impact of your own, to live a greener more sustainable life there are cheaper more realistic options your household can consider. These include:
Using Less Water
Time Your Shower – Start the shower and as soon as it is hot enough jump in. Avoid wasting time and water by brushing your teeth while it “warms up!” I shower will usually get to operating temperature within a few seconds. Also time yourself in the shower. To start time yourself, then aim to take 1 minute off a shower session until you reach your shortest possible realistic time.
Dual Flush Toilets – Modern toilets often have a dual-flush system. This allows you to select around 4 to 6 litres a flush. A big saving compared to old style toilets, which can use 14 litres per flush!
Shallow Baths – Taking a bath can so easily be a waste of water. But you can save up to 2,000 litres of water a year just by ensuring your bathwater is 1 inch less in depth – something very few people would ever think of….
Wash at a Lower Temp
Washing clothes at a lower temperature will use less energy in a home, helping your green credentials. Washing at 30ºC as opposed to 40ºC can save you up to a third on energy costs.
Burn Wood
Use a High Efficiency Stove – A high efficiency wood burning stove is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to heat a home. So much so, burning wood this way actually has a lower carbon footprint than if the wood was left to rot on a forest floor.
Unplug Appliances
This is an easy way to not only live a more sustainable life to but also save money. Switch off or unplug any chargers or appliances you are not needing. If they have a standy by light, a display they’ll be using energy so unplug them and save.
Energy Saving Bulbs
Switching to energy saving bulbs may cost a little more at the start but they use a great deal less energy and will last much longer too.
These are only five tips you can do to save money in a home. All are relatively simple to use implement, and all help towards a cleaner, greener, more environmentally friendly environment for all.
