Anna's Blog

Here is Wisconsin, we are experiencing some awesome summer weather that allows for clicking off the thermostat. No furnace. No air conditioning. Just fresh air - YES! Turning off the thermostat had me contemplate a few other really easy and effective energy saving tips:

Hang those clothes out to dry! While the humidity is vastly reduced, clothes dry quickly on the line. Be sure to use a bit of fabric softener when you wash so towels and clothing aren't scratchy. Mmm, the smell of bed sheets that have dried outside - love it! This will save you on the energy bill, or if you utilize a laundromat, will save you some cash!

Use the dishwasher. Yep, I'm giving you permission to be lazy! Fill up your dishwasher and go outside and have some fun! Newer dishwashers use far less water than washing dishes in the sink. You will save on water and save on the energy it takes to heat the water!

Unplug whenever you can. If you will be gone for a few days, unplug items such as your coffee maker, hair dryer, cell phone charger, and other non essentials.

Turn off the water to your garden hose. A friend was telling me that her husband often forgets to turn off the water outside to the hose. Since there is a spray nozzle on the hose, he figures all is well. The reality is that hoses often leak. Even the tiniest leak can cause a big waste of water and a drain on your bank account when the water bill comes. Make sure those water spigots are off when not in use!

Last but not least, get walking or biking or bussing or whatever works for you. Reducing time in your car by just one trip per week doesn't seem like much, but if we all do it we are in for some good energy savings!