Minimizing Energy Use

Let's say for 24 hours you minimized your use of energy as much as possible. This means unplugging everything that is not in use (even if it's turned off it's still drawing energy!). This includes microwaves, laptops, TVs, lamps, and cell phone chargers. This also means driving as little as possible, using lights only when absolutely necessary and turning them off as soon as you leave the room, reducing your use of hot water (hang dry your clothes, take shorter showers!), and trying your best to find alternatives to warming or cooling your home.

Well, for my Environmental Science class that is exactly what I had to do. I had to save energy!

So here's what I did to reduce my use of energy for 24 hours...

 I started my morning by rinsing my face with cool water and brushing my teeth with very minimal water. Then I went around and unplugged everything that wasn't being used. A couple lamps, cell phone and computer chargers, 3 TVs, a microwave, and a few other electronics. This is when I told myself I would not use my cell phone for the rest of the day. I would only answer urgent calls. I was honestly happy about this part because I really hate being on the phone! Then I ate breakfast. After breakfast I opened up all the windows in my house to air it out and get some fresh air instead of turning on the fans or AC.

Now, usually I spend a majority of the morning catching up on TV shows (lazy I know but I'm being honest), but this morning, to save energy, I decided to take my dogs outside and I invited my mom to hang out with me. I enjoyed hours of conversation with my mom, bonding with my dog, and tanning out by the pool. Then I cleaned my pool and instead of turning on pool pump, I just used a net and cleaned the pool myself.

What shocks me, is that I actually got the courage to go into the pool! Since last summer I haven't gotten into my pool because I was thinking it's too cold, but this morning I said "why not try it?!". So I jumped in, my dog went in with me, I swam a few laps and had one of the best mornings I've had in a very long time.

Unfortunately this day I had work. To save some energy I did take a very fast, cool shower. I let my hair air dry as much as possible for finishing the drying process with a blow dryer (normally I would blow dry my hair completely wet), then instead of using a straightener on my hair I just threw it up in a pony tail. Then I left to work, and I wish I could say I rode my bike, but I work 20 miles away so driving is more convenient.

I work retail so there is a lot I cannot control in my store (a lot of things need to always be plugged in, lights always need to be on all day, and we have to keep the AC running to keep it cool for customers). However, at night I turned off all of the ACs, I unplugged our microwave, turned off all of the lights that I could turn off, and unplugged the TV (any little thing helps!). This day I also made sure to take my lunch so that I wouldn't have to drive anywhere else.

I didn't get off work until 9pm.

I went straight home. All of the windows were still open so it was cool in the house, I planned on just closing the windows when it got cold. Instead of plopping on the couch and watching TV I decided to for a jog with my dog, and so I did. Let me tell you, I use to run religiously and stopped about a year ago, so this was very exciting for me to be in the mood to run again!

When I got back I took a quick cold shower and got ready for bed. Then I unplugged the fish tank light since we were no longer using it. I normally end my night watching one episode of American Dad to fall asleep to, but tonight I decided to read instead. I only ready about 20 pages before falling asleep but it was so much better than staring at a TV screen.

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After the 24 hours I considered how I felt about the changes I made to conserve energy. I felt GREAT! Not only did I spend valuable time with my family, but I spent my entire morning before work enjoying the sun, my pool, and bonding time. I went to work thinking of ways to conserve energy there. I went home and did two things I use to enjoy so much but have recently told myself I'm "too busy" to do them anymore, I went for a jog, and I started reading a book I've been dying to read. 

Everything I did during those 24 hours are things I could do everyday. I want to do it for an entire month and compare the utility bills!

I don't think there was one thing I feel I couldn't give up. I love not having to text people back, I'd love to get up on my bike more often, and I love just being outdoors every chance I get. I've actually been meaning to plant a garden and why not do it in my spare time instead of watching TV?

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What else can I do besides giving up conveniences and technology to conserve energy?

• Plant shade trees to reduce the heat in my home (I just got a free shade tree coupon!)
• Change all of my light bulbs to energy effecient light bulbs
• Buy only energy efficient appliances
• Solar heat for water
• Solar panels or wind turbines for energy
• Install good insulation to reduce heat
• Reduce air leakage around doors by using weather strips
• Install low-flow showerheads
• Buy LED lights for the holidays
• Buy shades/curtains that reflect the sun

 Everything on this list could easily be accomplished in the near future given time and money, other than the solar panels and wind turbines (they are pricey and would require  long-term payments).

What would you be willing to give up?