Going Green Example Essay

Inevitably, in going about our daily lives, each of us uses energy by commuting, sheltering our families or even eating. Yet there are many things each of us as individuals can do to reduce our consumption. The choices we make in our homes, our travel and what we buy can lower energy costs and promote the conservation and improvement of the environment. Everyone can make going green a part of their daily lives by just implementing a few simple changes.

One effortless change an individual can incorporate into their daily life is simply remembering to turn out the lights when leaving a room. Keeping light fixtures clean also helps save energy. In fact, a heavy coat of dust on a light bulb can block up to half of the light emitted. Furthermore, the best way for an individual to reduce the cost of lighting in their home is to switch from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs. When an incandescent light bulb is turned on, only ten percent of the electricity used is turned into light. The other ninety percent is wasted as heat. On the other hand, compact fluorescent light bulbs use seventy to seventy-five percent less energy than incandescent light bulbs and they last up to ten times longer than incandescent bulbs. For instance, by using a 26-watt compact fluorescent light bulb, which is equivalent to a 100-watt incandescent light bulb, users can save up to fifty-nine dollars on energy costs over the life of the bulb. Saving energy saves money and is better for the environment.

Another example of an easy change which can be made throughout households everywhere is using appliances efficiently. Across America, home refrigerators use the electricity of twenty-five large power plants. To cut back on energy use, individuals should set their refrigerator temperature at thirty-eight to forty-two degrees Fahrenheit and their freezer between zero and five degrees Fahrenheit. Also make sure the door seals tightly and remember every time the refrigerator door is opened about thirty percent of the cold air inside escapes. Individuals can use dishwashers more efficiently by only washing full loads and using short cycles for all but the dirtiest dishes. Air drying can also reduce energy use. If your household does not have a dishwasher, go green and invest in one. An automatic dishwasher uses an average of six gallons less hot water than doing dishes by hand which saves over two thousand gallons a year. In addition, clothes washers should be set to the appropriate water level for the size of the load and cold water should be used whenever practical.