New Year, New Energy Saving Tips
We’ve all made resolutions to go to the gym more or eat out less. Unfortunately, many of those goals fall short. Thankfully, some resolutions are easy to stick to, will save you money, and support the Marine Corps’ Energy Ethos mission. Here are resolutions to add to your list for 2016!
I resolve to never run my washing machine or dishwasher unless they are full: The average American household uses 400 gallons of water each day – that’s more than 145,000 gallons and $200 a year. Resolve to never run these machines more than you need, and save water! Amp it up by washing clothes in cold water and turning off your dishwasher’s heated dry cycle.
I resolve to drive my car more efficiently by combining multiple errands into one trip: 90 percent of American households report spending money on gasoline, an annual cost of about $3,000. Resolve to spend less time driving, and explore alternative forms of transportation such as carpooling, public transit, and biking.
I resolve to stop buying old incandescent light bulbs: Did you know that 90 percent of the energy from traditional incandescent lightbulbs is given off as heat? In other words, almost all of the money you spend to light these bulbs is wasted. Resolve to replace incandescent light bulbs with LED or CFL bulbs and incorporate natural sun light into your home by opening blinds and curtains.
I resolve to unplug electronics, chargers, and appliances when they are not in use: A standby power load, also known as a vampire load, may be bigger than you think – approximately five percent of your home's energy use. It may not sound much, but it’ll add up over 2016. Resolve to unplug these items when not in use, or plug them into a power strip that can be turned off.
You’ll be saving energy and money year-round by following these easy tips. Check out this link to learn more about saving energy.
For more money saving tips contact your local Personal Financial Management Program office. The Personal Financial Management Program offers workshops and seminars on more than twenty money management topics. To learn more and find a workshop near you, click here.
I resolve to never run my washing machine or dishwasher unless they are full: The average American household uses 400 gallons of water each day – that’s more than 145,000 gallons and $200 a year. Resolve to never run these machines more than you need, and save water! Amp it up by washing clothes in cold water and turning off your dishwasher’s heated dry cycle.
I resolve to drive my car more efficiently by combining multiple errands into one trip: 90 percent of American households report spending money on gasoline, an annual cost of about $3,000. Resolve to spend less time driving, and explore alternative forms of transportation such as carpooling, public transit, and biking.
I resolve to stop buying old incandescent light bulbs: Did you know that 90 percent of the energy from traditional incandescent lightbulbs is given off as heat? In other words, almost all of the money you spend to light these bulbs is wasted. Resolve to replace incandescent light bulbs with LED or CFL bulbs and incorporate natural sun light into your home by opening blinds and curtains.
I resolve to unplug electronics, chargers, and appliances when they are not in use: A standby power load, also known as a vampire load, may be bigger than you think – approximately five percent of your home's energy use. It may not sound much, but it’ll add up over 2016. Resolve to unplug these items when not in use, or plug them into a power strip that can be turned off.
You’ll be saving energy and money year-round by following these easy tips. Check out this link to learn more about saving energy.
For more money saving tips contact your local Personal Financial Management Program office. The Personal Financial Management Program offers workshops and seminars on more than twenty money management topics. To learn more and find a workshop near you, click here.