Easy Eco, It's Electric!

Today’s Easy Eco Idea is saving electricity. It’s like the saving water idea in that it’s a lot of tips to make the idea happen.

It’s also one of those ideas that not only helps the planet but helps save you money as well. Actually, don’t they all really?

Anyways, here are some easy ways to save electricity.

The one we’ve all heard since we were kids, say it with me, turn off the lights when you leave the room. Better yet though, don’t turn them on in the first place. Unless it’s night and it’s just plain dark, open up the windows and let the sun in.

When washing laundry use cold water. And no you don’t need special cold water laundry detergent, any eco-friendly laundry soap will work just fine in cold water. And while we’re talking about laundry, only wash full loads. It takes just as much energy to wash a small load as it does a large load.

That goes for washing dishes as well. If you only have a few that need washing hand wash them, but be sure to fill the sink with soapy water and turn the water off while you wash. Also, skip the heat dry setting on your dishwasher. It’s not necessary at all. Use a good rinse aid (I like Ecover) and your dishes will still come out spot free after they’ve air dried.

For small meals use a toaster oven or microwave. They use significantly less energy and don’t heat your house up, which is nice in the summer.

Unplugging appliances and electronics is another good way to conserve energy.

Hey, if my dad can do it, so can you.

Have any other ideas? Well comment away!