Last modified: July 8, 2010 | Published: July 14, 2009
The simple guide to saving (money, energy, and the earth): a collection of things Winnie has retained reading of. Apologies for not remembering every source.
CLOTHES
donate it! D: D:
cut it up and make stuff out of it; puppets; other clothes
regift it (if the condition is nice, with tags attached)
ENERGY
battery: non-rechargables = trash :( | rechargables = not trash, DISPOSE OF PROPERLY at any location near you!
unplug all cords when not in use
cellular phones: turn off in dead-zone areas (such as the MTA D: !! ) b/c more power is used trying to find a signal; sign off IM services when you're asleep (or don't need it)
computer: turn off if you're not using it for more than two hours 2
electronics: charge before they reach a low battery life actually reduces their battery life; so, refrain from charging until the electronic warns you to
fans > air conditioner
lightbulbs: switch to fluorescent; they last 10x longer and use 75% less energy
refrigerator -> know what you want BEFORE you open it
sunlight: take advantage and do work near a window :0)
unload all unnecessary items from your car; the lighter the less gas needed
open windows do make the car slower, but only if you're going really fast; otherwise, it's good to get some fresh air (AC > windows)
PAPER
blank side, use it as scrap or print something entirely different on it
OR you can be super awesome and turn it into an envelop and put your letters in it--the post officers DO deliver it ;D
recycle; it saves energy, money, trees, and reduces air pollution1
must be CLEAN (no food or oil stains, etc)
must not have plastic--envelopes are okay
staples are okay
waxy paper is NOT okay (such as photos, shiny-looking paper)
wrapping paper: if you happened to have saved it & still looks fine--use it; BETTER YET switch to no gift wrap and put it in a bag, that way the receiver can reuse it easier :0)
take cold showers; it saves water (since you'll be done faster) and energy (from not heating up water), AND is better for your skin! (warm/hot water depletes the skin's natural oil)
rewire the laundry machine to release water into the sink; save it; use it to flush the toilet manually :0)
wipe the oily residue before washing dishes; it saves soap, water and time
there are dishwashers nowadays that use less water than before; so do some research and invest in one if desired
Credits: David Ng, mom :0)
Notes:
1It really depends on how much emphasis the government places at that particular place.
2Some say continuous on-off hurts the computer, but the effect is minimum
3Do not know how ink cost would compare to energy cost
