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1.ÌýLook for energy-efficient options

If you’re upgrading or renovating your home, look for energy-efficient options. For example, when it’s time to replace your appliances, consider the cost of operating an energy-efficient appliance over its lifetime vs. its initial price.

Swap your light bulbs with LEDs, choose low-flow fixtures during a bathroom renovation, and invest in energy-efficient windows and doors. When you’re upgrading your home, many green options can boost energy savings!

2.ÌýWaste less

One of the best things we can do for the planet is reduce our daily waste. Fewer products can be recycled than you might think. Cutting back on creating waste is the best step forward.

For example, using reusable water bottles and coffee mugs eliminates the waste of plastic bottles and paper cups. Plus, some coffee shops discount customers who bring their own cups! It’s a win-win.

3.ÌýShut off the lights when you leave the room

Okay, Dad, thanks for the reminder. But seriously! Turning off lights in empty rooms makes a difference in your electricity usage and electrical bill. Plus, there are some instances where you don’t even need electric light. During the day, you can use and enjoy the natural, free and sustainable light shining through your windows.

4.ÌýTurn down the heat on your water heater

If you have a conventional tank-style water heater, it uses a lot of energy to constantly heat that tank of water. If you have it cranked at the highest setting, it is wasting a lot of energy. Instead, turn down the heat a little and start saving energy and money.

You can also choose the cold-water cycle on your clothes washer. It will reduce energy use and keep your colours brighter!

5.ÌýMake small green changes around the house

There are so many things in our home that waste energy! We might not give it much thought, but making simple changes can greatly impact energy conservation.

• Power down household electronics when they're not in use. Leaving computers, televisions and video game consoles on standby or in sleep mode drains power.
• Fix leaky faucets. Even a slow drip adds up to significant water wasted and higher bills.
• Turn down the water pressure or install low-flow faucets and showerheads. You could be using more water than needed.
• Seal windows to prevent heat loss in the winter. Replacing cracked caulking and weatherstripping goes a long way.
• Use a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature according to your schedule. Turning down the heat at night while you’re sleeping or away at work will make a noticeable difference in your energy bill.

Over time, these minor adjustments can add up to big energy savings.

6.ÌýCan you sell or regift it, reuse it or recycle it?

You might be done with something, but that doesn’t mean it’s trash. Before throwing something away, consider if you can sell it, donate it to a charity, reuse it or recycle it. You can make a few bucks, and someone else might still enjoy it.

You can also think of ways to repurpose items in some way! For example, old, unusable clothing can be cut into cleaning rags or a reusable alternative to paper towels.Ìý Ìý

7.ÌýWatch your water use

Alberta is no stranger to drought. Water shortages happen, and learning to use less water in daily living is becoming more critical. For example, you can take shorter showers instead of baths and install a to reduce water use. Don’t keep the tap running when washing dishes or brushing your teeth. Adopting a few water-saving habits can reduce your utility bill and ease the strain on the system when there is a water shortage.

Green living as a lifestyle

Green living is getting easier all the time! There are so many energy-efficient options for daily household functions. Small changes in your daily habits can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and energy costs. Plus, your green lifestyle will help bring awareness to environmental conservation!