Conserve Electricity Gas and Water

Save Water

2008-11-15T18:10:00.000-08:00

1. Never put water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering a plant or garden, or cleaning.
2. Verify that your home is leak-free, because many homes have hidden water leaks. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak.
3. Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. If your faucet is dripping at the rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons per year which will add to the cost of water and sewer utilities, or strain your septic system.
4. Check for toilet tank leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear within 30 minutes. Check the toilet for worn out, corroded or bent parts. Most replacement parts are inexpensive, readily available and easily installed. (Flush as soon as test is done, since food coloring may stain tank.)
5. Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and other such waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
6. Take shorter showers. Replace you showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version. Some units are available that allow you to cut off the flow without adjusting the water temperature knobs.
Use the minimum amount of water needed for a bath by closing the drain first and filling the tub only 1/3 full. Stopper tub before turning water. The initial burst of cold water can be warmed by adding hot water later.
7. Don't let water run while shaving or washing your face. Brush your teeth first while waiting for water to get hot, then wash or shave after filling the basin.
8. Retrofit all wasteful household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.
9. Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or properly set the water level for the size of load you are using.
When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water. Quickly rinse under a slow-moving stream from the faucet.
10. Store drinking water in the refrigerator rather than letting the tap run every time you want a cool glass of water.
11. Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or by using the defrost setting on your microwave.
12. Kitchen sink disposals require lots of water to operate properly. Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing food waste instead of using a garbage disposal. Garbage disposals also can add 50% to the volume of solids in a septic tank which can lead to malfunctions and maintenance problems.
13. Consider installing an instant water heater on your kitchen sink so you don't have to let the water run while it heats up. This will reduce heating costs for your household.
14. Insulate your water pipes. You'll get hot water faster plus avoid wasting water while it heats up.
15. Never install a water-to-air heat pump or air-conditioning system. Air-to-air models are just as efficient and do not waste water.
16. Install water softening systems only when necessary. Save water and salt by running the minimum amount of regenerations necessary to maintain water softness. Turn softeners off while on vacation.
17. Check your pump. If you have a well at your home, listen to see if the pump kicks on and off while the water is not in use. If it does, you have a leak.
18. When adjusting water temperatures, instead of turning water flow up, try turning it down. If the water is too hot or cold, turn the offender down rather than increasing water flow to balance the temperatures.
19. If the toilet flush handle frequently sticks in the flush position, letting water run constantly, replace or adjust it.

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Save Electricity

2008-11-15T18:01:00.000-08:00

Saving electricity doesn't just save money, it also saves the planet. This is news to a lot of people. After all, when you plug something into the wall, it seems clean enough -- you don't see or smell any pollution, like you do with your car. But the pollution is there -- it just happens at the power plant. Most electricity is generated by burning coal and running nuclear power plants. Every time you turn on the lights, you create a little pollution. So saving electricity doesn't just put money in your pocket, it helps keep the air and water clean, too.

Don't Leave Electrical Appliances on Standby !

Many of us use the remote to switch off the TV or stereo, leaving the appliance running on standby. This actually means the appliance is still using up electricity and wastes a considerable amount of energy. By switching off at the main power button, or even the socket, you could be saving both energy and money. Items left on standby use up to 85% of the energy they would use if fully switched on. An extra million tonnes of carbon will be released into the atmosphere through this power wastage.

45 Gas Saving Tips

2008-11-15T17:35:00.000-08:00

1. Before getting into your car, ask yourself "Is this trip necessary?"
2. On short trips, try walking or bicycling. It's good exercise.
3. Consider car-pooling and share the gas bill and ride.
4. Always use the shortest route and avoid sightseeing trips and bottlenecks.
5. Organize activities and perform as many errands as possible in one trip.
6. If possible, avoid driving during rush-hour & other peak traffic periods. 7. When bargain hunting, check newspaper ads and use your telephone.
8. Do they deliver? Let them pay for the gas! Try mail order firms, too.
9. Make a list and do all the grocery shopping once or twice a week.
10. Let the kids run some of the errands. Let them walk to school, too.
11. Public transportation may be cheaper, especially when traveling alone.
12. Pack as little in your car as necessary so it has less weight to carry.
13. Shop around for service stations with the lowest gasoline prices.
14. Check to see if there are "self service" gas stations in your area.
15. Don't speed. Cars get about 21% more mileage at 55 mph then at 70 mph.
16. Better planning reduces the need for speeding, to get there in time.
17. When starting your car, don't idle it for more than 30 seconds, even in cold weather. Today's cars are designed to be driven almost immediately.
18. If you must stop for more than 30 seconds, don't idle your car. The engine is more fuel efficient if your turn it off and restart it.
19. Drive evenly with a steady foot. Avoid jiggling the accelerator.
20. Keep tires properly inflated at all times. (Check pressure when cold).
21. Use air conditioning only when necessary. Try opening the window.
22. Avoid "jackrabbit" starts. When starting, press accelerator slowly.
23. Avoid panic stops. When possible, coast to stops such as traffic lights.
24. Remove items that cause wind resistance, such as luggage racks.
25. Don't forget to release the emergency brake before pulling away.
26. Never rev engine before killing it. This wastes gas, wears out cylinders.
27. Keep tuned to radio traffic reports & avoid traffic jams, other delays.
28. Make certain your gas cap fits properly.
29. Use the lowest octane gas that won't make your engine knock.
30. Use only your right foot for accelerating and braking. That way you can't accidentally ride the brake and use excessive gas.
31. Shift into high gear as soon as possible. If you have automatic transmission, lift your foot from the accelerator about one second early.
32. Pass other cars as soon as you see you are overtaking them. Don't wait.
33. Keep your car properly tuned for top fuel efficiency.
34. Keep brakes properly adjusted. Dragging brakes increases resistance.
35. Operate as small a car as possible for your driving needs. (Small cars weighing half as much as large cars use about half as much gasoline!)
36. Avoid cars with gas-consuming options such as air conditioning; power equipment such as window, etc.; automatic transmission, etc.
37. In hot climates, drive a car with light colored exterior and interior, to reflect light, heat. Tinted glass also prevents heat buildup.
38. Use radial tires for less friction between tire and road.
39. When driving, keep your eyes moving and your feet still!
40. Keep your steering wheel still too. The more you weave back and forth, the farther your car has to travel and the more gas is consumed.
41. Don't overfill your gas tank. It could leak or spill in heat or on a hill.
42. Use snow tires and/or chains as little as necessary because they make your car work harder and use more gasoline.
43. When you see a hill ahead, build up speed before you reach it, then maintain your speed on the slope. (If you must accelerate on the hill, you will use much more fuel). Then coast down the other side.
44. Keep wheels aligned for better mileage - Longer tire life, too.
45. Record all gas purchases for tax deduction purposes.

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