How to Use Less

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By HS Schulte
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Use Less

Reuse, Reduce and Recycle are the three R’s of being green. Reducing generally means reducing the amount of waste you produce. But, it can also mean reducing the amount you use. Consider the fact that each time you use too much shampoo, too much electricity, etc., valuable resources have been lost that were used to make the shampoo and the electricity. Cutting back and conserving are very green and they will save you money. Below are 10 simple ways to reduce the amount of resources you use each day.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Possibly a smart strip
Possibly a rain barrel
Reusable Grocery Bags

Step 1

Use less water. Limit the amount of tap water you use in your garden. My favorite way to reduce the amount of water I use for my garden is to collect rainwater. You can redirect your gutters to a rain barrel and save the water for a dry day. You can also reuse household water, so that you will not need to use fresh water. A few buckets of laundry rinse water are perfect for the job.
Step 2

Use less energy. Keep the hot water heater on the lowest setting comfortable. By using less gas or electricity to heat your water, you are conserving energy.
Unplug anything in your home that has a small box on the chord when not in use. Also, unplug anything that has a clock or digital display that you aren’t using and don’t need. These boxes and digital displays are known for sucking power regardless of whether the electronics or appliances are being used. If you keep these unplugged you will use less electricity.

Keep your refrigerator full. Your refrigerator doesn't have to work as hard to stay cool if it is fuller. If you often have extra space in your refrigerator, Try storing your flour, pasta and grains in the refrigerator. They will last longer! Your freezer also uses less electricity when full.

Invest in a Smart Strip. A smart strip is a green surge protector. You can plug all your computer devices into a Smart Strip. You have an outlet for the switching device (the computer). You have a couple of outlets (usually 2) for “always on” devices such as you modem or router if you don’t want them to be turned off when the computer is off. Finally, you have your outlets for peripheral devices such as printers, monitors, etc. When you are finished using your computer all you need to do is turn off your computer and the smart strip will turn off all the other devices that you want powered down with the computer. You will use less energy and save time. You can purchase a smart strip at Amazon.com

Keep the Lint Trap Clean on Your Dryer. I’ve been told that keeping the lint trap on your dryer clean significantly reduces the amount of energy used to dry your clothes. I believe this to be true, because I have to run my dryer longer if the trap isn’t clean. Of course, you could hang your clothes to dry them. That would be greener and use less energy.
Step 3

Compost. You can save produce scraps, egg-shells, coffee grounds and many other items for composting. Raw food scraps work best. Don’t use greasy foods or meat products, as they will degrade the quality of your compost. You can save money and use less fertilizer for your house plants and garden if you compost.
Step 4

Reuse Grocery Bags. Keep reusable grocery bags in the trunk of your car. The next time you are at the grocery store, you will use fewer bags by reusing your own. Keeping a few in your car ensures that you won't forget to take one with you.
Step 5

Be Frugal. In your daily life make a habit of being frugal. Each time you use detergent, shampoo, soap, paper products, water, etc. try to use less while still getting the job done.
Step 6

Break the disposable habit. Buy cloth napkins, cloth diapers, cloth towels and reusable cups. Try to avoid use of paper products that are just thrown away.