Simple Changes in Your Life Can Help You Save the Earth

We've heard about it on the news, read about it in the papers and seen it on billboards. Global warming debates are alive and well. Whether you agree, or disagree, there are a few things you can do to contribute your share of saving the earth. If you agree with global warming, these will cut down on your carbon footprint of the earth. If you disagree with global warming, these are simple things to make your life "nicer" anyway!

1.Turn it off when not in use. Your lights, television, DVD player- all contribute to your carbon footprint. Turn it off if you're not using it! Pretty simple suggestion, but one a lot of people doesn't think about. Turn off those energy-eaters such as microwaves, computers and other phantom power suckers, and save on your electric bill.

2.Turn down your heat! Even just by one degree, it'll make a big difference, especially on your heating bill.

3.Turn down the water heating setting. Make sure your water heater is set at 120 degrees. It will save your electric bill, and also will still be warm enough to kill those microorganisms that exist at temperatures slightly lower.

4.Check the central heating timer setting - remember there is no point heating the house after you have left for work. Installing a digital thermostat is well worth its money on heating costs! These can be picked up relatively cheaply at places like Home Depot or Lowe's.

5.Fill your dishwasher and washing machine with a full load - this will save you water, electricity, and dishwasher detergent. Why use all the extra hot water if you don't need it?

6.Make only the amount of coffee that you need. Another "so easy, it's dumb" statement. People for some reason tend to make more coffee than they'll be drinking, wasting not only electricity, but their coffee beans as well!

7.Unplug your mobile phone as soon as it has finished charging. Another "power sucker" also known as phantom wattage. You might not think that small cell phone uses up much electricity, but plug a few in and let them sit, it all adds up!

8.Defrost your fridge/freezer regularly. A clean fridge and freezer save energy!

9.Do your weekly shopping in a single trip. I'm guilty of this one when I forget to buy that extra gallon of milk or loaf of bread. Try to get all of your groceries on one trip, rather than running out when you forgot to buy something, wasting time and gas. Keep a running list of things you'll know you need, and don't forget to take it with you!

10.Hang out the washing to dry rather than throwing it in the dryer. The electric dryer is a huge energy waster. If you're able, hang your clothes out to dry. Not only will they smell better, but also it'll save a ton on your electric bill!

11.Go for a run rather than drive to the gym. Why drive to exercise when you can do it for free? Check with your doctor first to make sure there are no issues with you for physical activity, but generally you can step out your door to get your work out rather than driving and wasting gas to break a sweat, where you have to pay for a membership.

All of these are fairly easy, and they don't hurt. It just takes simple planning to change your lifestyle and once you get into the hang of it, makes life so much easier and saves energy. Don't' do your part to contribute to global warming! For more information on saving electricity in your home visit here: http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/

Carbon footprint info: http://www.carbonfootprint.com/Minimise_cfp.html