Join millions around the world by turning off your lights between 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM for Earth Hour, and go one step further by reading these 9 energy saving tips.
Since it began in 2004, this one hour blackout at the end of every March has become one of the most visible symbols of global commitment to conserving the environment. Iconic monuments like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Roman Coliseum, and the Sydney Opera house, among many others, have dimmed their lights for Earth hour in past years, and today it’s your chance to join in.
Unplugging tonight is already terrific, but for the eager conservationists out there, here are 9 awesome ways to save energy around the clock. See if you can check off all 9 tonight!
1. Use less Hot Water
Photo by @amir-hazwan-96
Set your washing machine to wash clothes with cold water, use a dishwasher, and buy an efficient shower head to conserve hot water. Heating water uses lots of energy!
2. Hang Dry
Photo by @jurgi-giraud
Sacrifice the drier and just use a clothing rack or clothesline to dry your clothes.
3. Use the Microwave Instead of the Oven
Photo by @instrumental20
Heating food in the microwave, believe it or not, is way faster and more energy efficient than using the oven.
4. Use the Thermostat in Moderation
Photo by @stephstephaniesteph
The winter is cold and the summer is hot, but try to be conservative with how much electricity you use to get the temperature exactly how you want it. If you can manage it, avoid the AC. A little cooler or warmer temperature than normal never hurt anybody. You don’t need to make your house feel like winter in the summer and then like summer in the winter.
5. Use Curtains as Insulation
Photo by @maplehoney
If you have curtains, closing them at night is actually a great way to insulate hot or cold air from the outside. Your air conditioner won’t have to work as much, nor will your heater.
6. Keep Fridge at Normal Level
Photo by @obeah
One easy way to conserve energy is to be a conscientious fridge user. Don’t set it to its max setting and be smart about keeping it cool. Don’t leave the door open, don’t put hot food in the fridge, and try to thaw frozen food in the fridge to keep the temperature low.
7. Unplug Appliances on Standby
Photo by @nagvera
Up to 20% of energy that households consume is coming from items that aren’t even being used. TVs, chargers, coffee machines… all of these devices consume tons of energy when they are just resting. Unplug devices between uses or plug them all into a Powerstrip and just flip the switch to cut off all power.
8. Use LED Lights
Photo by @hyderrafai
LED lightbulbs last longer than conventional bulbs and use WAY less energy. They are also chemical free, so they can be disposed of safely when you’re done.
9. Turn off the Lights
Photo by @mohamedaashiq
Beyond Earth Hour, turning off lights in rooms you aren’t in is one of the most energy conserving habits you could ever adopt. Tonight more than ever, flip the switch in the off position.
