In the last few years, the climate started getting worse in my country. It’s warmer and warmer (39 Celsius in the shadow right now), we had almost no winter (it snowed 2-3 times I think). The warmest year in my country ever already, with the month of August predicted to be even hotter. If living through something like that doesn’t convince you of the climate change and the need to work together towards saving our planet, I don’t know what will.

I researched a bit on ways I can contribute, so I came up with the tips below:

1. Use energy saving lightbulbs and learn to turn them off

An energy saving lightbulb consumes up to four times less energy then a normal one and can last much longer. Replace your regular lightbulbs with energy saving ones and learn to turn off the lights in a room when you leave it.

2. Shut it down, don’t put it on stand by

That little red light that shows up when you put the TV on standby doesn’t run on air. It consumes energy. Not much, but if you think of all the devices from your house that do that, it amounts to quite a bit of energy being consumed every year. Multiply by 1 billion homes and you’ll start to understand the energy used every year on little red leds.

3. Don’t waste water

Don’t leave the water running while you’re brushing your teeth. Turn it off, and start it again when you need it. You can save couple of liters of water every time you brush your teeth by doing this. Also, take quick showers instead of baths. A shower can consume just half of the water that is needed for a bath.

4. Turn the heat down

Turning down the heating during the winter by just 1-2 degrees can make a huge difference and save you a good amount of money.

5. Collect rainwater

Your plants are perfectly happy with rainwater. Collect the rainwater from your roof in a barrel and use it in your garden when needed. You’re saving some money and using less tap water in the process.

6. Drive a bit slower

Driving at just 55 MPH instead of 65 can bring you a 15% improvement in your mileage. You consume less gasoline and you save some money at the same time.

7. Use rechargeable batteries

You save some bucks and help save the planet at the same time. No need to recycle batteries from now on, just recharge them.

8. Use reusable food containers

Instead of using plastic wrap and plastic bags, use Tupperware style food containers, which are reusable. Actually, if you can use something reusable, you should do it.

9. Use a programmable thermostat

Very handy to have, a programmable thermostat will allow you to program the heating to go on when you need it. Use it to heat the house before you arrive from work or cool it down, and it saves you some money also.

10. Use draft excluders

Draft excluders keep the heat in, which means less money spent on heating, and less fuel burned.

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