Reducing your energy consumption directly results in money in your pocket.  The average American household spends over $1,400 annually on electricity bills. Not only that, 380,364,000 metric tons of CO2 greenhouse gas equivalent emissions are emitted as a result of residential energy consumption in the US every year, amplifying the effects of climate change on communities locally and globally.  

Here are five easy and impactful Reduce Your Energy Consumption Sustainability Tips to help combat climate change and save money…

1. Hang dry your laundry

It’s estimated that the average American household could save 10-20% of their energy costs if they switched to hang drying their clothes on a line or rack.  Not only does this save money, but it’s also better for your clothes!  The dryer tumbling of damp laundry takes a toll on clothing, bedding, and linen fibers, and the dryer heat can shrink and ruin some fabrics.  Extend the life of your clothing and your funds by hanging your laundry on a rack or line. 

2. Unplug your devices when you’re not using them

The United States Department of Energy reports that you can save anywhere between $100 and $200 annually by unplugging devices, not in use.  From computers and phone chargers to toaster ovens and blenders, unplugging devices when they’re not in use reduces your energy consumption, lessens your climate change-related emissions, saves you money, and increases the life of your devices. 

3. Eat less meat

Eating less meat reduces your energy consumption and environmental impact. For example, if one person ate 4 ounces of beef every day for a year, they would use approximately 400 gallons of gas equivalent and 27,400 gallons of water, which is equivalent to spending 183 hours in your average shower.  The resulting carbon emissions would be 3,550 kg.  For the most part, meat takes more energy to produce than vegetables and grains.  Cutting back a bit on the meat in your diet not only helps reduce your energy consumption and carbon impact at home or wherever you are, but it can also have health benefits.

4. Invest in energy-saving appliances

If you have a need for new or replacement appliances, it’s worth crunching some numbers to see how much a little bit more investment on the front end may give back over time. Sometimes, energy-saving appliances aren’t even more expensive. Regardless, energy-saving appliances can cut energy use when compared to non-energy-saving appliances by anywhere from 10%-50%. For items such as washers, there is most likely the further benefit of water savings, which is huge too. 

5. Rock your daily insulation scene

Opening and closing your blinds and windows according to the climate and season can make a huge difference in your home’s energy consumption.  Running AC or heat in your home can be a big chunk of your monthly energy consumption and expenses.  If it’s hot out and it cools down at night, a good move can be to open your windows and blinds at night and close them during the day. In cooler climates in winter, opening your blinds during the day and closing them at night can significantly impact heat-related energy savings. It’s also worth connecting with your energy company to ask about energy-saving insulation home measures, as some companies directly provide or can direct you to assistance programs to help support you to better insulate your home and improve home energy efficiency.