use less electricity

Although I’m putting it on my completed list, I will keep doing it and improving on it.

I always check my completed tasks list every few days, to check I’m still on target with ALL goals.

I have been trying to be more mindful of energy consumption, in order to help future generations of humans (the crazy things hehe).

I have been doing these things:

1) Switching off lights more
2) Switching off appliances when not used (don’t use standby).
3) Drive less and use public transport more
4) Don’t waste food or water
5) Reduce needless possessions. Give unwanted things to charity shops.
6) Buy goods locally if possible

Anyway it’s a start. It feels good to be doing my bit. I hope everyone starts realising that we CAN make a difference if we ALL do it. It also helps to lead by example, the more of us that do this, the more people will be inspired, until it will reach critical mass, and the people not doing it will be in the minority.

Social pressure ;o)

Candles! I have a ton of them that I got from Ikea and using less electricity is a perfect excuse to use them. It’s hard to turn off this computer, though.

We participated in Earth Hour a day early, since I have to work tonight. It was really fun! We lit every candle we could find, including hanging up a pair of candelabras we hadn’t gotten to before last night. We even put bowls of floating candles on top of the dog’s crate. The cats were quite entertaining. They weren’t really sure what to think about the whole thing.

After 9:00, we decided to keep the candles on and put in a movie.

We’ve agreed that we need to have candlelit movie nights way more often. I think we’ll probably try to have no-lights evenings once a week or so. Guess I’ll need to buy some more votive holders!

I just realized why my light bills are so high lately. I’ve been teaching myself to cook and bake, and using the stove and oven quite liberally.

Oh, man. It hurts! I really wanted to get some skills in that area. But, I literally have doubled the amount of electricity I normally use. My roommate looked like she might have an aneurysm when we found out how much we owe.

So I will stick to the microwave and toaster oven from now on. Le sigh…

Overall, I’ve done pretty good. I only use what I need to and don’t waste. The only exception is our Christmas lights. It’s bad, I know, but I have to have lots of pretty lights.

Anyway, I’m going to consider this goal done for now. There is more I would like to do in the future, but I can’t afford new appliances or solar panels at present.

I should start unplugging the power strip to the TV/VCR/DVR…

With my utility company, they have on/off peak hours. I do things like laundry & dishwasher during off peak hours. During on peak, my thermostat is still kept comfortable, but not as cool. And, if I can wait to use the oven, I will do so.

On Peak = 9 am to 9 pm

My parents were very particular about wasting electricity. This has also been similar for me, but I’m not quite as anal retentive. I do not like lots of lights being turned on, especially if no one is in the room.

I also keep my blinds closed during certain times of the day, and the tree in my front yard helps shade my home from the afternoon sun.

Even if I’m not paying for the electricity, like if I’m at someone else’s home or even at a place of business, I’m always aware of not wasting electricity.

Did the laundry this week with cold water. Seemed to work just as well. I’m sure if there was some serious stains or something to take care of I will still use warm or hot, but otherwise I’m pretty pleased with cold.

Still improving. Unplugging isn’t completely habit, but it’s close. DH is getting better about turning off the computer when he’s done as well.

Now I’m pondering using cold water for the laundry and line drying. Is cold water really just as good?