National Cut Your Energy Costs Day
It’s National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, what are YOU going to do? Read on for a few ways to celebrate.
National Cut Your Energy Costs Day may seem like a “made up” holiday, but it is still recognized as a National Day and why not consider your energy use today? In fact, let’s dig into why you would want to cut your energy costs or energy usage in general. The quick answer is climate change. The more we understand how energy is produced and managed, the more we can control carbon emissions from energy production. Reducing carbon emissions is necessary to reduce the disruption to the climate.
Here are 10 things you can do to celebrate National Cut Your Energy Costs Day:
Turn down the heat/air conditioning. This is especially true if your home sits empty all day while you are at work, school or other. Our buildings are responsible for a LOT of carbon emissions so let’s get them under control. Turning down the climate controlling devices in your home can help control the global climate.
Turn off idle devices. Your home is probably using electricity all of the time and you can reduce your energy costs by unplugging or shutting down devices that are always on. If you had a switch near your door that would turn off all non-critical devices as you left the home, you would do it. Alas, most homes don’t have that feature and it takes a long time to walk around and turn off power strips, smart devices and more while keeping the refrigerator on. Like most things, if you can make it a habit to reduce the idle power drain, that will put money in your pocket and keep carbon in the ground.
Investigate where your energy comes from. How does your power provider generate electricity or natural gas? Today is the day to find out. Knowing this will help you understand the carbon emissions for which you are responsible.
Extra appliances? Do you really need a freezer in the garage or a wine fridge (that may be really inefficient anyway) in your kitchen? It’s not too late to start your year with a money saving and climate saving step.
Gather friends. Like most “holidays” you can spend this one with a group of friends. Not only will the event create awareness of energy use, carbon emissions, and climate change, but you may be able to reduce your device screen time if you have more real face time with people.
Transportation. Cars and trucks are one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide in the United States. Try to walk somewhere instead of driving. If the dead of winter is not be the best time to stroll a mile to the store where you live, put it on your calendar for a warmer month. Likewise, if you are looking to buy a car, visit www.FuelEconomy.gov to direct your shopping.
Personal Energy. You can become energy independent if you generate your own power. Make this the day you call the solar installer in your area. The price of solar has dropped dramatically in the last 4 years and finding zero emission energy sources is necessary.
Advocate for lower energy use. Look around your neighborhood, office or favorite store for ways that energy might be wasted. A simple question or comment about excessive energy just might be the nudge that creates a change.
Get a home energy audit. It doesn’t matter if you rent or own; you can get an energy audit for your home. Professional audits can direct your home improvement budget or enlighten your landlord on ways to improve their investment property.
Take down the holiday lights. It’s January 10, most holidays are over, and you will feel accomplished.