How to Conserve Energy and Ration Food

Buy fruits and vegetables at a local farmers' market.

Environmentally conscious individuals conserve energy to preserve limited natural resources. The creation of energy depends on electricity, gas, fuel, oil, coal or timber. The rapid expenditure of these substances depletes the earth of its natural resources. Energy conservation requires individual, community, national, international and universal efforts. Individuals can make a commitment to use less commercially produced energy, and consume less food that requires natural resources to produce.

Instructions

1. Start with energy conservation at home. Replace all lights with energy efficient light bulbs that have been Energy Star qualified. Set your thermostat five degrees lower in the winter and five degrees higher in the summer. Layer clothes in the winter and strip down in the summer. Hand wash clothes and hang them outside on a clothesline. Alternatively, purchase a small clothing rack to line dry garments in the bathroom.

2. Turn off all electricity at a predetermined time each evening and keep it off until a predetermined time the following morning. Do not use electricity between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m., except for the refrigerator and alarm clock. Unplug all computers and phone chargers. Turn off the television, cable box and DVD player. Use a small night light for children's rooms or the bathroom.

3. Consume less meat and animal products. Many vegetarians make a conscious decision not to consume animal products because of the treatment of animals and the global impact. Meat production requires large amounts of land and water to raise livestock.

4. Ration food on a daily basis. Consume small portions of beans, rice and pasta. Add a few fruits and vegetables. Place any scrapes into a compost bin in your yard or on your balcony. Make a list of the exact foods and quantities consumed. Buy less each time you go to the farmers' market.

5. Establish a carpool for work. Commute to work with a friend. Check the tire pressure in the tires for better mileage. Keep speeds consistent and within the recommended speed limit to conserve fuel use. Take your lunch and walk to the park to eat.

6. Recycle at home and at work. Set up recycling bins and label them for aluminum, plastic and paper. Money you collect from recycling can go to purchase trees to be planted through a local environmental organization. Trees produce oxygen and reduce carbon dioxide. Announce how much money you earned each time you turn in the recycled items, to encourage others to recycle.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy fresh produce at a local farmers market to help local producers and reduce transportation costs. Divide raw nuts and raisins into individual portions to last throughout the week. Walk everywhere you can. Plan a weekend field trip on public transportation.

• A socially conscious, restricted diet requires daily protein and balanced nutritional meals. Consult with a physician and nutritionist before starting any dietary restrictions. Do not conserve energy at the expense of personal health.

References

• United States Postal Service: These Are Not Just Stamps --- They're 16 Ways to Help the Planet
• U.S. Department of Energy; Energy Efficiency And Renewable Energy; Energy Savers; Tips; Lighting
• Guardian.co.uk; Vegetarian Diet Is Better for the Planet, Says Lord Stern; David Batty and David Adam; October 26, 2009