There is no doubt about it. Sustainability is crucial—arguably now more than ever before!
Since the world’s carbon footprint is steadily increasing, everyone must do their part, including each of us at Beacon Hill. We can reduce our carbon emissions. We can decrease our energy usage. And, by doing so, we can leave behind a more sustainable world for our grandkids.
Beacon Hill’s journey toward sustainability first began when a group of residents created the Environmental Action Group (EAG) in 2019. Four years later, Aquinas College students conducted research that led to Beacon Hill’s Sustainability Plan, focused on three key metrics: energy, water, and materials.
To help you contribute to this plan, Beacon Hill has created a three-part series of blogs, known as “Sustainability in Action,” which focuses on each of these metrics. The first blog in this series discussed how to minimize your waste.
As the second part of this series, here are some ideas you should consider while striving to decrease your daily energy usage—and diminish your carbon footprint for future generations.
Adjust Your Thermostat. If possible, adjust your thermostat to 68°F during the colder months, rather than having it above 70°F. You’ll save a significant amount of energy quickly!
Cold Water is Ideal for Laundry. When you first learned about laundry, you were likely taught to regularly wash your clothes with warm water. But that’s not necessary, actually. Instead, you can wash them in cold water usually, leading to a decline in energy usage.
Consider Other Lighting Options. Unfortunately, people tend to waste energy whenever they use lights they simply don’t need. For example, rather than turning on overhead light fixtures, open your blinds for natural light. Furthermore, buy lower wattage bulbs that require less energy.
Cozy Up with an Ambient Light. Rather than plugging in a night light, use LED battery candles when you sleep. They’re energy efficient, and they’ll provide a warm ambient light.
Don’t Forget about Your Water Heater. In addition, people typically forget about their water heater and the amount of energy it uses. To increase your water heater’s energy efficiency, the Cascade Natural Gas Corporation advises you to turn down its temperature to 120°F.
Energy-efficient Lighting is Necessary. Consider replacing your lamps’ incandescent light bulbs with more energy-efficient options. For instance, compact fluorescent light (CFL) or soft white light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs will minimize your energy usage. They’ll also last thousands of hours longer than incandescent bulbs, and they aren’t glaringly bright either!
Ensure Your Air Filters are Clean. Ask a Beacon Hill employee to look at your air filters and verify that they’re clean. If they’re not, your air conditioner and furnace will use more energy than they should.
Never Use Electric Heaters. When you’re cold, you may desire to use an electric heater, in addition to your residence’s usual heating options. But, if at all possible, avoid using one, as it will consume a substantial amount of energy.
Unplug, Unplug, Unplug. Believe it or not, by simply unplugging your electronic devices whenever you don’t use them, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint considerably. Remember the three Us: unplug, unplug, unplug!
Use Power Strips. To consistently unplug your appliances and devices, plug them all into a power strip. In doing so, you’ll only have to unplug from one outlet, rather than several outlets, leading to easier sustainability.
By implementing each of these ideas, you’ll help Beacon Hill provide a better world for your grandkids—and their grandkids!
