What are you doing to conserve?

RedGTiVR6 · 06-11-2007, 11:10 AM

I realize that some of you may not believe that conserving energy is necessary...and if that's you, this thread is not for you.

For those of you that do believe in conserving energy, how are you doing it?

I'm curious to know some of your ideas.

Around this house we've tried to take a number of steps:

Changed out ever light bulb to the flourescent lights
Unplugged EVERYTHING that we do not use on a regular basis. We don't leave our phone chargers plugged in all the time any more, only when charging a phone. The toaster is unplugged except when needed, etc.
While working from home, I don't even turn the lights on. I just open the windows.
only water the lawn when needed not on a regular schedule per the sprinkler system
Ride our motorcycles when we go places instead of the cars since they don't put as much wear and tear on the roads, use as much gas, and don't pollute as much as the cars
Only run laundry when we have a full load
instead of using the heated drying feature on the dishwasher, we wash dishes in the dishwasher then open the door and let them air dry
shower together (yeah yeah), no baths
On our house that we're building we've opted for the blown in insulation and Radiant barier on the roof to better insulate the house
Manifold water system - PVC piping instead of copper and more direct pipe routing unlike conventional plumbing - means quicker heated water. We would have gone with tankless water heaters, but there's no gas where we're building
ETWater system for the sprinklers - takes weather data (temp, wind, humidity, etc) as well as soil moisture numbers and only waters when needed PERIOD
Durring the winter, use a heated blanket as needed instead of heating the entire house. Wear more layers around the house. no need to walk around the house in shorts and a t-shirt when it's 28 degrees outside.
Recycle EVERYTHING possible. I'll even take things home while we're out so I can recycle them instead of just throwing them away.
if our trash isn't full, we don't put it out. No need for the trash truck to waste that energy lifting it and tossing it if it's not full!

That's just some of what we're doing.

What are you doing?

I'm always interested in hearing new ideas.

btw - did you know that it takes 1120 lbs. of coal to power a computer for one year?

DarquePervert · 06-11-2007, 11:16 AM

I work for the power company.

RedGTiVR6 · 06-11-2007, 11:18 AM

KB5WID · 06-11-2007, 11:24 AM

Instead of a standard Sprinkler system that uses fresh water. Ours uses grey water.

RedGTiVR6 · 06-11-2007, 11:31 AM

I don't think that's an option with Morrison homes out in Princeton (just east of McKinney)

btw - since you are in Frisco - did you know that if you get the ETWater system installed, you're not subject to the watering restrictions? though, I don't know that it matters since you're using Grey water.

Are you in town our out?

Sal R. · 06-11-2007, 11:37 AM

Energy saving bulbs.
Use space heaters/fans instead of central heating/air conditioning.
Walk to the grocery store.
Bike around when we can.
Stopped using dishwasher.
Less showers. ;-P

CaMarO_CowGiRL · 06-11-2007, 11:53 AM

I also just open the windows instead of turning the lights on when im at home. I think it's more to save on my electric bill though

Either way I am still conserving even if the main reason is because I'm cheap ..lol

I am also conserving by not having a lawn that I have to water.

And, I only use paper cups and dishes so I don't have to waste all that water washing them or running the dishwasher.

RedGTiVR6 · 06-11-2007, 11:56 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by CaMarO_CowGiRL

And, I only use paper cups and dishes so I don't have to waste all that water washing them or running the dishwasher.

!!!!

Never mind the land fills you're constantly filling up with those paper plates!

Of the two, I'd think that washing and reusing dishes is a lesser evil than using paper plates and cups all the time...which all end up in a land fill.

CaMarO_CowGiRL · 06-11-2007, 11:59 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by RedGTiVR6

!!!!

Never mind the land fills you're constantly filling up with those paper plates!

Of the two, I'd think that washing and reusing dishes is a lesser evil than using paper plates and cups all the time...which all end up in a land fill.

I had a feeling someone was going to say that. I dont use that many dishes and cups, Im just one person

I have one garbage bag a week- MAYBE that.

Also, its rare I use a cup- im a redbull addict so Im always drinking from a can. And Red, you will be happy to know that YES I do take them back and recycle

RedGTiVR6 · 06-11-2007, 12:03 PM

even still!

Imagine how many paper plates and cups you've gone through over the years.

Not to mention the money spent on them.

A set of 4 plates and cups can be had for like $30...and those would be some pretty decent plates.

I bet you spend a lot more than that in a year on papers.

make the change and you'll be down to a trash back every 2 weeks!

CaMarO_CowGiRL · 06-11-2007, 12:16 PM

I see your point.

I do own plates and cups ..lol I just choose to use a paper one if and when I decide to eat something at home. Which, isnt often because I find it boring to cook for myself.

Trust me when I say I am affecting the landfill in the smallest way possible

Now all of you on the other hand with all your excess car pc parts and wires.. tsk tsk

How long does it take for my paper plate to burn and disappear?? I can do it myself with a little bonfire before I throw out the trash and it would be like it was never there at all. Id be down to 0 trash bags a week.

I know then Id be polluting the air right? lol I give up.. Im a bad person who needs to change :P

RedGTiVR6 · 06-11-2007, 12:19 PM

jjh221 · 06-11-2007, 01:34 PM

i sleep more.

TruckinMP3 · 06-11-2007, 01:37 PM

I use CF lights in the house and am considering LED solutions.
The PC stays off when not in use.
I have added insulation to reduce heat/cooling needs.
Purchased a more fuel efficient car.

RedGTiVR6 · 06-11-2007, 01:39 PM

Truckin - what car did you purchase?

We're probably going to have to purchase a new car here soon. A hybrid won't work for what we need it for since hybrids aren't of any benefit on the high way.

We need a truck since we have motorcycles, but I have a hard time driving a truck around when we're not using it as a truck...

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