Harnessing Our Energy

April is Earth Month and at Aloha Elixir we have been spending more time thinking not only about our personal energy but also about the energy we consume.
 
We are often guilty of unconsciously expending our energy on wasteful or unproductive things. Like expressing frustration towards others while waiting in a long line. Or spending a large part of the day just scrolling through social media. We’re constantly using energy without even thinking about it… even in our homes!
 
Electricity is a precious resource, just like your time. And it doesn’t take much to make these conscious efforts towards energy conservation. By contributing to sustainability efforts you won’t only make an impact on the environment, but also save on your electricity bill! 
 
Here are some of our favorite, surprisingly simple tips to help you reduce your energy use:

• Did you know that whenever something is plugged into an outlet, it is consuming electricity -- whether it’s on or not? You can save some energy (and some of your electric bill) when you use an advanced power strip. Advanced power strips (APS) are designed for home entertainment centers or home office areas. You can plug your like-electronics into the power strip and the APS will stop the pull of electricity whenever the electronics are idle. Or forgo the power strip altogether and simply unplug your electronics like phone charger and coffee maker when they aren’t in use.
• Take a trip to the hardware store and pick up compact fluorescent lamps or LED bulbs to lighten the load of energy from your light sources. They initially cost a bit more than the typical incandescent bulbs, but save you money on your electric bill in the long run. You could also use light dimmers or track lighting to lower light levels, which lower your electricity consumption as well.
• Cooking can be an expensive taste since it eats up energy when something is in the oven or on the stove for too long. If you’re cooking just one pot or pan, forego the stove and use a small cooking range. It burns less energy than using a stove top. If the stove is your only option keep your stove range clean to reflect heat better. This will help cook more quickly without burning your food or through your energy.

• When it comes to designing an eco-friendly home nothing beats nature. Using natural lighting such as skylights or even incorporating multiple windows in a room can help reduce the need for lights or lamps. On that note, tinting windows and keeping your shades or curtains drawn during the day can save you from cranking up the air conditioner.

 
It just takes a little effort to make our energy go a long way. Don’t forget the little things we do can collectively make a difference. Happy Earth Month!