It’s January, which means a new year is here and so is the time for making new resolutions. How about an energy resolution? This month celebrates both National Cut Your Energy Costs Day (Jan 10) and International Day of Clean Energy (Jan 26), so in honor of that, we’re outlining all the ways you can cut back on energy costs while simultaneously making a positive difference for our planet. But first, to give you an idea of exactly how significant our energy costs can be and where exactly they stem from, let’s talk about some common stats:
Of the average person’s electric bill….
So, with this in mind, where can you make positive changes that benefit both your wallet and the environment? Let’s break it down.
Look at your current energy bill and determine the areas of highest usage. These are the areas where you’ll be able to make the most change. Then check what time of day you use the most energy.
No matter what state you live in or who your service provider is, your energy rates are likely to change throughout the day, season by season, charging you more during “peak hours” when energy usage is most in demand. Check for these electricity rates where you live and use this insight to determine where you can reduce your electricity and air/heat usage to have an immediate positive impact on your monthly costs.
For most people, this is the step with the biggest initial lift, but it’s also the one that will very likely result in the most cost savings. Inspect your home for areas where inefficiencies may be causing your energy bill to be higher than it should. Seal any cracks or crevices around windows in doorways in order to make your heating and cooling more efficient. Switch to cold water usage for laundry and dishwashing purposes. Make sure all of your light bulbs and cables are updated and efficient. Moving to LED bulbs may have a slightly higher up-front price tag but they have a much longer lifespan than their incandescent and fluorescent counterparts.
Modern home thermostats tend to have a 10-year lifespan. If your thermostat is older than 10 years, consider replacing it with an environmentally friendly programmable thermostat. Today, smart thermostats even have settings that automatically raise and lower your home’s temperature during peak hours in order to conserve energy and save you money.
Believe it or not, the U.S. Department of Energy predicts that taking the time to unplug unused gadgets and appliances will save the average consumer up to $200 a year. Even when powered off, electronics can still be drawing energy—a habit that’s earned them the title “electricity vampires.”
This one can be tough for a lot of people because, let’s face it, we don’t all have a bunch of discretionary cash sitting around waiting to be spent. If you (like the majority of people) can’t afford to swap over to energy efficient appliances (e.g., refrigerators, dishwashers, laundry machines) right away, consider making the swap the next time one of your appliances is in need of replacing.
Remember this statistic at the beginning? 50% of energy consumers have the option to choose to draw their energy from green sources like solar and wind power rather than from fossil fuels. Check with your energy provider to see if this option is available to you. However, we’ll be completely transparent: The current energy system in the United States is designed for fossil fuel usage, which means that opting for a clean energy alternative is likely going to come with a more premium price tag. There are other cleaner systems you can swap to in the meantime (such as switching from furnaces to heat pump systems), but if you can afford it, clean energy is the way to go. The more consumer demand for clean energy increases, the faster we’ll be able to transition to clean energy across the country!
Okay, so what if you want to transition to clean energy in an even more direct way? You also have the option of installing solar panels or, depending on the size of your lot, possibly a small wind turbine. But what does this actually entail? And how much is it going to cost—and possibly save you—really?
The average price of solar panel installation for a private residence can range from approximately $15,000 to $35,000 (government grants not included). The total amount is going to depend on the number of panels your home requires as well as service and installation fees where you live.
If solar panels are something you’ve thought about in the past and you’re wondering if they make sense for you and your budget, consider the following:
If you’re still not sure about whether or not you can afford to take your home solar, there are online calculators like this one to help you compare the cost and value for your specific situation. And it’s worth keeping in mind, solar is generally better for urban areas while wind energy is effective for more rural, agricultural, and working landscapes due to the space required for the turbines.
So, while we’re at it, let’s talk wind.
For this conversation, we’re going to be sticking solely to small wind turbines—the kinds that power individual homes—and not the mega turbines used in the development of wind farms (often placed on agricultural land). If that’s something that interests you, you can check this out.
For those who are curious about installing small wind turbines in order to power your home, here’s the breakdown:
The average price of a small wind turbine is $3,000 to $5,000 for every kilowatt of power capacity. Typically, and depending on the size of the home, you can expect to need between 5 and 15 kilowatts of power. This means a cost range of $15,000 to $75,000 (before any government grant savings).
Wind turbines can be a good solution for someone who wants to transition to clean energy but doesn’t live somewhere with consistent sun.
If you’re wondering if a small wind turbine(s) makes sense for you and your budget, consider the following:
If this sounds interesting to you but you’re not sure if your home is a good fit, you can also consider micro wind turbines, which can be used to charge things like batteries for RVs, sailboats, and generators.
As it turns out, there are numerous effective strategies for reducing your home energy costs and promoting sustainability! From unplugging unused electronics to installing your own private wind farm. Tailor a plan that suits your specific needs and budget. By implementing these measures, you can not only save money but also contribute to an eco-friendly and energy-efficient household.
The time for cleaner energy is now—let’s do it together!
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Regenerative agriculture is the practice of enriching the land through farming and other agricultural practices; an effort that has been led by Indigenous Communities for thousands of years. Rather than stripping the ground of its nutrients, regenerative practices add to the health and strength of the soil and the overall ecosystem. In essence, it’s a decolonization of agriculture. 1“Regenerative Agriculture 101,” Natural Resources Defense Council ≫; “Native Growers Decolonize Regenerative Agriculture,” Green America ≫
Regenerative agriculture, as noted by One Earth, is “a pathway to an abundant and resilient future . . . shifting from the narrative of human dominion to one of healing our relationship with the Earth.” As a result, farms become more resistant to climate-related threats such as drought, flooding, and extreme shifts in temperature.2“Regenerative Agriculture and Food Systems,” One Earth ≫
Sustainable agriculture is the final step toward achieving regenerative agriculture. This is accomplished, in part, through the introduction of practices to improve environmental health, reduce the use of freshwater and harmful pesticides, and improve carbon storage in the soil.