What we mean by energy efficiency
The proposal for our Way to Zero Waste readers today is to learn a little about energy efficiency. You may have heard this term a lot in commercials or when you go to buy an appliance. But do you really know what energy efficiency refers to?
Simply put, from an energy standpoint, being energy efficient means using less energy and not being wasteful.
This concept can be applied to any electronic appliance that is energy efficient. The fact that an appliance has the characteristic of being energy efficient means that it will perform the task just as well as one that is not energy efficient but will consume much less energy.
Why should we apply energy efficiency in our home?
There are three reasons why it is important to emphasize energy efficiency:
#1: Environment:
By contributing to energy efficiency, we limit the growth of global energy consumption which helps safeguard the planet and various natural habitats.
If we use more and more energy, carbon emissions in the atmosphere increase and certain natural resources such as oil, coal and gas are depleted.
#2: Economics and war:
As time goes on, resources such as gas, coal and oil become scarce as they are non-renewable resources. If we depend on them, they become more expensive as there are fewer of them and international conflicts driven by reasons related to these resources and their scarcity increase.
#3: Fixed household expenses:
No one wants to spend a lot on taxes, so adjusting to energy efficiency not only helps the environment but also contributes to better household economy by helping to save.
Can I join energy efficiency?
Of course you can. And that doesn't mean you have to go out and buy new energy-efficient appliances. You can look at what you can do to contribute to this cause.
You might want to start by running the washing machine on low water and not full load, and wait until you have a lot of clothes together instead of running it with just two shirts.
Don't worry if it's a little difficult at first, you'll see many other options you hadn't thought of that will help you use energy more efficiently.
Here are some ideas to help you become more energy efficient:
Turn off and unplug electronics you don't use. Even the computer and TV.
When cooking, turn off the heat a few minutes before you finish, and cover the pot or pan with a lid to make the most of the remaining heat.
As your light bulbs burn out, buy energy-saving LED bulbs that light up much brighter while consuming much less energy. With LED lights, you can save 30 to 80% on your electricity bill.
Insulate your ceiling and walls so that the heat in summer and the cold in winter penetrate less to your rooms. Many times just by adding thick curtains to your windows you will be insulating the room. Also help yourself with double glazed windows, as it is estimated that 25% of heating and cooling energy is lost through poor quality glazing.
Responsible water consumption: average household water consumption is 139 liters per person per day. To help reduce this amount, we can install faucets with a half-opening mechanism, which will provide us with sufficient flow without surplus.
If you require batteries for certain household appliances, buy rechargeable batteries.
Take advantage of the natural environment to adjust the temperature of the house, for example, by opening the windows in summer to create air currents: Well oriented houses will be heated naturally and efficiently in winter, and cooled in summer, without the need for air conditioning. In colder countries, it is recommended to orient the house to the south to make the most of the amount of sunshine it receives. For warmer countries, on the other hand, architectural elements such as eaves and outdoor vegetation can be used to create shades that prevent the interior from overheating.
Join the fight!
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