Eye'n Energy
I like to think I am conscious of what resources I use and try my best to live in a sustainable way. The assignment this week was to unplug, conserve and observe the amount of energy I use in a 24-hour time frame, I chose Friday 4/26 8:00 a.m.- Saturday 8:00 a.m.
After waking up I performed the following Home Energy Reduction Steps:
Daytime:
- Unplugged entertainment system power surge cord; DVD, TV, WII, WiFi Router, Laptop Charger
- Unplugged all other devices; Alarm Clock, Garbage Disposal, Mobile Charger, (2) Lamps, SoniCare Toothbrush
- Opened all windows-Allowing fresh air and natural light in
- Took a quick 5 minute shower
- Walked to the store instead of driving
Nighttime:
- I only used my lamps with CFL bulbs in the rooms I was in at the moment
- Removed 2 out of 3 light bulbs in my bathroom light fixture
Devices I had to leave plugged in:
Overall, it was a pretty good feeling to unplug, it prompted me to read, work on projects and to try and keep myself entertained without the use of electronics. It was shocking at first to unplug all the electronics, especially once my mobile and laptop exhausted battery life in the evening. The exercise also made me really aware of how many wasted standby power devices (vampires) I own. I will definitely continue to unplug devices I am not using ,especially when I go on vacation. Unfortunately other than shorter showers and opening windows there isn't anything I could give up permanently. I plan on cutting my car usage and start walking or using my bicycle more often.
Looking around my home I realized I could do a lot more to be more energy efficient. Over the weekend I purchased a Power Smart Tower to help stop "vampire" electronics from draining power in my apartment.
I live in an apartment so I am limited to how much I can really do but if I had the money or my own house I would invest in Resource/Energy Efficient Appliances; Refrigerator, Dual-Flush Toilet, Stove and lighting.
The power smart tower is pretty cool. I am going to have to get one of those. I realized as well all the energy that is not really needed all the time. Great blog!
ReplyDeleteI realized I had a lot of things in my home using energy that I hardly ever use (like my Wii and a lamp in my spare room!). Going to look into a power smart tower now, and also I didn't think to take out some light bulbs from my bathrooms, that's a great idea! Good job Denis.
ReplyDeleteI have a light fixture in my bathroom that can survive on one bulb instead of a five. But the bounce from five helps light up my bathroom just a wee bit better.
ReplyDelete