efficiency (energy)

simple ways to conserve energy (besides the usual or turning off lights when exiting the room):

i have this weird little rule where i let myself only have three things on at a time. so if i already have two lights and the radio on, i can't turn on anything else (the whole computer unit counts as one thing). or if i'm charging my phone, i only get the tv and vcr, no light! this actually helps me remain focused on my work too. how many of us are guilty of having watching the tv while doing something on the computer? you can only look at one thing at a time anyway, so why do you have multiple things on?

don't forget to unplug your non-daily use electronics / appliances. even if you're not using them, weirdly enough they still use energy. so unplug your chargers, radios, blenders, hair dryers, etc.

use power strips, and turn them off too! all my computer stuff is plugged into my power strip. and when i turn off the computer for the night, i turn off the strip as well.

use natural light! why turn on an electric light if you can just open your window blinds or drapes? i think a lot of people are so used to turning lights on that they dont' realize how bright it is already during the day. and i don't know about you, but i prefer the natural light over that yellow tinge or electric hum of light bulbs anyway. and this leads to the next one...

pee wit the light off, and in other similar situations... if you're a girl, you sit down, so all you really need is to see the toilet seat and toilet paper, do you really need the light on for that? and similarly, if you're opening the fridge to grab a snack, why do you need the kitchen light? the fridge already has one. i think you get the point. there's very little that you really need to see clearly and in full, bright light. so if you don't need it, don't bother.

also remember to only use hot water when necessary. not only will you save water, but it takes energy to heat up that water.