Every day should be Earth Day

April 22 is Earth Day, so every where you turn, click, or read, our interests and actions are turning to environmental, conservation and energy concerns and issues. Carbon capture, “clean-tech revolution,” energy efficiency, wind power, venture capital investment in renewables, ocean power, biomass. All these concepts, ideas, products, devices and more are getting increasing attention from the public and policy makers worldwide.

Here are 10 tips that we all can use on Earth Day, or any day as a means to reduce energy and water use:

1. Monitor your utility bills. Most consumer bills provide usage information for the just-completed period, plus historical information year over year. You can monitor kilowatt hours or kWh (electric) and Mcf (1,000 cubic feet of natural gas), and find ways to decrease usage.

2. Do a home energy audit. These can be done by you, the homeowner or renter, or a professional. If done by a professional, it’ll be more expensive. Here’s information on how to do you own audit, and the difference between a do-it-yourself one and a professional audit: http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/energy_audits/index.cfm/mytopic=11160

3. Programmable thermostats. These can lower utility bills during winter or summer by as much as 10-15%, given the type of device and how well it’s programmed.

4. Turn off the lights and all other electrical equipment when leaving a room for more than 5 minutes. This especially applies to computers, printers, LCD or HD televisions. You can easily cut electric power to computers and electronic equipment with surge protectors and interruptible power sources.

5. Hand washing your dishes saves water, electricity, (which powers the washer) heated water (and whatever heats it, natural gas or electricity).

6. Unplug the beer refrigerator. A true waste of electricity, especially if it’s outside, which lessens its cooling capacity.

7. When replaces equipment and windows, replace them with ENERGY Star appliances, windows and doors.
8. When away from home for more than three days, turn down the temperature on the hot water heater, as well as the heating/cooling system. It’s advisable to turn the heating/cooling system all the way off.

9. Take baths instead of showers.

10. Close off rooms your aren’t using, close off the heating/cooling vents and unplug devices that use power, such as clocks, portable phones docks.