Many appliances use electricity even when they're turned off. It's called a phantom load, or vampire electricity, and as much as 75% of the electricity used by home electronics and small appliances is used while they're turned off! The simple solution is to unplug small appliances and electronics when you aren't using them or plug them into a power strip and turn that off. Energy Star estimates that consumers can save between $60-$100 a year by unplugging appliances!
Turn off all lights and appliances when not in use (fans, humidifiers, A/C).Â
Bring the beauty of pure, natural daylight into your entire home with day light harvesting systems.
Frozen food uses 10x more energy to produce and has less nutrition than fresh food, since they are usually loaded with preservatives. Choose organic and always eat fresh fruits and veggies!
Chewing gum is the second largest littered item in the world and is not biodegradable and will stick to several surfaces for many years. Dispose of your gum in a responsible manner!
The sun is one part of the triangle that enables plants to grow. Tend to your garden, or start one for fall produce.
Using the stairs instead of the elevator leaves space for people who can't walk themselves up and also gives you exercise. The only excuse you have is if you work at the top of the Empire State Building.
Print only the text you need and print double-sided! Many times, the back page of a sheet of paper remains blank. Sometimes, places that charge for printing will charge less for double-sided prints as well. Save paper and money!
Purchase rechargeable batteries and save money. You will get several uses out of the batteries without having to buy new ones. Recharging instead of replacing keeps the battery acid out of landfills too!
Look for options such as buses or trains instead of driving to and from the airport. These options are more efficient because they move more people per mile per gallon than just driving the family car!
If using a personal vehicle, make sure that the engine is tuned up, the amount and condition of oil is acceptable, and the tires are properly inflated. Simple preventative maintenance on a vehicle keeps it running more smoothly and efficiently!
BYOB (Bring your own bag!) Re-usable grocery bags greatly reduce the amount of plastic bags going into landfills, and are easily available in most stores. Some stores in other countries charge for plastic bags now. Use them for all your shopping needs!
Billions of disposable cups are thrown out every year in the United States. Buy a reusable coffee mug and take it with you on your morning coffee break! Or buy a reusable water bottle for your water cooler talks!
Cut down on pollution and energy by choosing ground transportation for your deliveries! Whenever possible, go with ground transportation instead of rush air delivery for your mailing needs. On average, ground shipping is more than six times more energy efficient than air. Plan ahead so overnight or next day air shipping doesn’t become a necessity. This will also help save on additional rush delivery costs and burn less fossil fuel per shipment!
December and January are the most dangerous months for electrical fires. - Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring.- Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately.-Use electrical extension cords wisely; never overload extension cords or wall sockets. - Replace any electrical tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out, or gives off smoke or sparks.
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) cites christmas trees, holiday lights and lit candles as some of the top causes of holiday fires. - Never overload extension cords or wall sockets. Avoid connecting an excessive amount of holiday lighting and decorations to a single circuit whenever possible.- Inspect your old and new lights before putting them up. Throw the lights away if you find frayed wires, insulation gaps, broken or cracked sockets or excessive kinking. - Install tamper-resistant receptacles to "child-proof" electrical outlets.
Find out what's new and different, and learn about our exceptional line of safe, reliable, quality products designed to meet these code changes. - Need to know if a Tamper-Resistant Receptacle is required? - What types of receptacles are required in accessory buildings? The handbook can offer helpful tips, so you can specify products with confidence. Download the NEC Code Changes Handbook to learn more.