OK, you’re not ready to go off the grid. But there are easier ways to reduce your energy dependence — and bills. So we’ll kick off our 10-part Easy Green series with some refreshingly simple summer ideas:
» Pull the plug: A lightening-fried TV got us thinking about standby power, which consumes about 5 percent of all electricity in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Track down energy vampires — TVs, VCRs, coffeemakers, cellphone “wall warts,” that dusty basement fridge — then unplug when not in use. Outlet strips can make energy management easier. Also, stop overcharging laptops, cameras and phones — that not only saps energy but shortens equipment life.
» Fill ’er up: The freezer, that is. A full compartment performs more efficiently. Include bags of ice, and you’ll be party-ready. Check door seals for air leakage; lube with petroleum jelly to prevent cracking.
» Join the fan club: From floor to ceiling to tabletop, fans are making a comeback. Unlike air conditioning systems, fans can be aimed where you choose and turned off and on at will. Consider making fans the default; trust us — it can be done. Try consolidating leisure, dining and snoozing activities in a couple of rooms with cross-ventilation, open the windows, and let those fans spin. Bonus benefit: With less A/C chill time, your body will acclimate better to the great outdoors.
» Camping in: A Southern tradition worth reviving — the sleeping porch. We moved our bed to the breeziest room. It’s like camping, with serenading bugs and songbirds on the other side of the screen. Rather than aggravating my allergies, this change made it easier to take the heat and humidity. Studies show that spending long periods in tightly sealed buildings can weaken our immune systems.
» Cook out — outside the box: Why heat the house when you cook? Our eco- and budget-friendly portable kitchen consists of small appliances — food/rice steamer, electric skillet, hot pot, single burner — total cost under $100. We use them year-round instead of the oven — and outside on the porch in warm weather. While dinner simmers, unwind in the breeze on a beach lounge.
» Solar tea: Place four to six tea bags and two quarts of water in a glass container, cover and place in a sunny spot for up to four hours. Remove bags and chill.
Robin Tierney is a freelancer who writes about health and environment issues. She can be reached at [email protected].
