Many of us are aware of the environmental challenges happening in our world now. Some are actively working to fix that by doing research or supporting green policies to save energy.

 What you don’t know is that even you can help save the environment by doing small lifestyle changes. These changes although very small but when added up can make a huge difference. And that is what Energy Upgrade California is all about.

So what is Energy Upgrade California? It’s a statewide marketing, education, and outreach initiative to promote energy management concepts, energy efficiency actions, and clean energy opportunities for the state’s residents and small businesses. Of course these small deeds will not just help save the environment but may save you a lot of money too.

Here’s an example of how you can help and how it is very effective if more people become aware and follow suit

  1. Washing cloths. Try as much as possible to wash with cold water. There’s no actual difference between warm and cold but heating the water consumes to much energy. Even better, our washing machine (and of course yours) has an “time saver” option, which we use all the time and of course energy saver!

    washing machine
    Our Washing machine has an “Energy Saver” option
  2. Use window shades efficiently. Close the shutters on a sunny side during the summer to keep out the hot sun, and then open them in winter to bring in warm rays.

    shutters
    Close the shutters in the Summer
  3. Turn off all lights, small appliances and electronics not in use. A power strip can help turn off multiple items at once.
    strip
    Power Strip On
    strip
    Power Strip Off

    The coffee machine, microwave and water dispenser are on one strip. The PC, printer and telephone are on another. Just switch them off at once!Unplug

  4. Switch to LED bulbs. It’s the latest technology in light emission. Here’s our kitchen LED light. It produces the same amount of KWs but much much cheaper and energy saving. Upgrading to LED lightbulbs will use at least 75% less energy, and last 25 times longer. If everyone upgraded to LED light bulbs, we’d reduce CO2 emissions equivalent to those produced by a coal-fired power plant in one year.

    LED bulb
    LED Bulbs produce the same amount of light but with much less energy
  5. Always shop appliances with the Energy Star label, the government’s symbol of energy efficiency, on a wide range of consumer products to save up to 30% on related electricity bills.

    Save Energy
    Save Energy Label
  6. Use your PC better than laptop. Laptops use more energy and less efficiently. Also, I know Men love their gaming consoles and microwaves but they do consume even when not in use!
    SAVING ENERGY
    My PC is GREEN supporting SAVING ENERGY

    So unplug your gaming consoles, satellite receivers, microwaves, coffee machines when not in use! They use energy to keep the clock on which is so useless!

    microwave
    Our microwave is OFF!
  7. Teach your kids and neighbors the importance of saving energy. Spreading the awareness around the neighborhood, family, PTA and work can exponentially minimize the consumption around especially with the summer coming.

    Explain
    Explain to spread awareness
  8. Use Gas ovens rather than electric ovens. Gas ovens live longer and almost consume zero energy. Especially that they are used for hours to heat and cook the food.

    oven
    Gas ovens much better than electric

Read more about what you can do at Energy Upgrade California here.