Here are some tips and tricks on how to go green this summer. Put on your energy-efficient thinking cap and let’s dive in!
1. Suds up, buttercup: Take shorter showers
Shaving a few minutes off your shower time reduces your energy consumption by heating less water. If you have a roommate, you could even make it a competition to see who can take the quickest shower. (Winner gets a high-five.)
2. Unplug (not just turn off) electronics
Even when you power off your phone, it can still consume energy. This is called “standby” power. Standby energy can add up fast. To combat this, unplug your TV, laptop, tablet, phone—all your chargers and electronics. You can even make it super simple with a power strip that has an on/off button.
3. Flip the switch
We’ve all heard it before: Turn off the lights when you leave a room. It’s a small habit that can have a big impact on your energy consumption. You might feel like a superhero every time you flip that light switch off.
4. Cover up
Dominion’s apartments come with blinds. Use them to your advantage. Close them during the day to keep the sun out to reduce your need for air conditioning. This is a great idea to help reduce the amount of heat that enters your home during the day.
5. Cook more, burn less
Cooking is fantastic but it can burn a lot of energy. However, it’s easy to cut cooking energy down—without cutting back on cooking. Use the right sized burner for your pots and pans to avoid wasting heat around the edges. Keep your cookware clean to make sure it conducts heat efficiently instead of wasting heat on stuck-on food. Use a microwave or toaster oven for small meals so you don’t have to fire up the big oven.
Feel good about your eco-friendly efforts
By taking shorter showers, turning off electronics when not using them, turning off lights and using blinds/curtains to your advantage, you can feel good about your eco-friendly efforts.
