All About Clean Energy: Reducing Your Environmental Impact at Home

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How to Increase Your Clean Energy Usage at Home

The clean energy movement is huge, and part of solving the problem involves major projects. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t make some small changes to reduce your energy consumption and increase your clean energy usage. Doing something as simple as flipping a switch can really make a difference in your home and the environment over time.

Follow these tips to increase your clean energy usage, while reducing your overall energy consumption.

  • Replace your existing water fixtures with energy-efficient models. You could be using way more water than is necessary

  • Walk, ride your bike, or use public transportation whenever possible. With the first two options, you’ll be getting exercise and doing something good for the environment at the same time. It’s a win-win!

  • Take shorter showers to reduce your water and energy consumption.

  • Invest in drought-tolerant plants inside and outside of your home. Whether you choose succulents over fresh flowers or artificial turf instead of grass, you could be making a big difference in your water and energy consumption.

  • Regulate your thermostat settings based on the season. If it’s warm outside, set your thermostat a few degrees warmer than you normally would. If it’s cold outside, set your thermostat a few degrees cooler than you normally would. Be sure to adjust the temperature or turn it off if you’re going to be out of the house for an extended period of time.

  • Unplug electronics when you’re not using them. Even if your computer is on sleep mode or your charger isn’t attached to a cell phone, it’s still sucking energy out of the outlet.

  • Use the cold water setting on your washing machine to wash your clothes. Washing in warm or hot water uses exponentially more power than washing on cold.

  • Power your home with wind energy, solar energy, or another form of renewable energy. Find out what’s available in your area by doing a little research online. Or contact an energy company near you for more information.

  • Switch to paperless billing and payment options whenever possible. This goes for your credit cards, energy bills, water bills, cell phone bills, car payments, and more.

  • Choose reusable items over one-time-use ones—whether at home or away. From reusable grocery bags to lunch pails to water bottles, a little conservation goes a long way.

  • Use the dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand. You waste significantly less water and soap when using a dishwasher than when washing by hand. Just be sure that the dishwasher is full before running it for maximum efficiency.

  • Build your own compost bin for your home. This website provides quite a few great ideas for DIY composting—many of which involve repurposing items you may already have handy.  

  • Limit your usage of artificial light in your home. When it’s light out, open up your windows to save electricity. Doing so is also effective for helping you get some more vitamin D, which is great for both physical and mental wellness.