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Saving Nature


Lighting accounts for 30 to 50% of a building's energy use, or about 17% of total annual U.S. electricity consumption. Simply turning off unneeded lights can reduce the amount of energy used for lighting up to 45%. At the same time, using less energy reduces air pollution, global warming and other environmental impacts associated with electricity generation. - Earth Saving Tips Spring 1997

  • Use low wattage bulbs to save energy.
  • Install compact fluorescents or other energy-efficient light bulbs.
  • Install "occupancy sensors" to automatically turn lights on and off when it senses the presence of a person or people in a particular room.
  • Using hot water for both washing and rinsing uses three and a half times more energy than washing in warm water and rinsing in cold.
  • Lowering your water heater's temperature to 120 will suffice for most household needs and cut energy costs.
  • It takes less energy to do one big load than two smaller ones. But don't overload the machine or nothing will get clean.
  • Reduce the need for ironing by taking clothes out of the dryer slightly damp and hanging them up. That can save energy - including yours.
  • Replace aging appliances with energy-efficient ones.
  • Turn off computers, televisions, CD players, and other electronic devices when they won't be used for at least half an hour.

    • If every U.S. household used the most-efficient washers, it could save the equivalent of up to 40 million barrels of oil a year! - Earth Saving Tips Spring 2000

    Traditional cleansers based on natural products often clean just as effectively as commercial concoctions that contain fast-acting chemicals. - Earth Saving Tips Spring 1999

  • Purchase non-toxic cleaning products. Use natural fiber sponges and cleaning agents that are biodegradable, phosphate-free, chlorine-free, and unscented.

    • Non-toxic cleaning alternatives

  • Drain Cleaner: Plunger; flush with hot water, 1/4 cup baking soda and 2 oz. vinegar; plumber's snake
  • Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Soap; toilet brush
  • Abrasive Cleanser: Baking soda; Bon-Ami brand cleanser
  • Furniture/Floor Polish: Murphy's Oil Soap; mineral oil
  • Oven Cleaner: Baking soda and water
  • Bleach: Washing soda; Borax brand detergent
  • Mouse/Rat Poison: Live traps; clean area and keep free of debris; plug rodent openings
  • Pesticides: Boric acid for roaches; soap sprays; salt water or hot pepper sprays
  • Herbicides: Pull weeds; keep grass short (use a push mower and don't bother going to the gym!)
  • Oil-based Paints/Stains: Latex
    The copyright of the article Saving Nature in Household Tips is owned by Peggy Hoehne. Permission to republish Saving Nature in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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