In recent years, environmental and ethical concerns have come to the social fore. Retail giants have jumped on the ‘green’ bandwagon, revising production and manufacturing techniques to cater to the ethical consumer. However, consumers should check out how they can make energy and cost savings in their own day to day lives.
Top energy saving tips
Without doubt, Irish consumers could undertake a number of measures to save energy and ultimately save more money. According to research conducted by Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office, Ireland has the fourth-highest energy dependency rate in Europe. Irish consumers must look to make changes which will have a positive influence on both the environment and their bank balance! SaveAFewBob has discovered how you can tackle environmental concerns in the comfort of your own home…
Switch it off…
Massive savings can be made by consciously making the effort to save on energy resources:
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First stop, lighting! Our advice is pretty simple, switch off lights when leaving a room. Offenders claim an array of poor excuses including a fear of the dark, a threat of burglars and most commonly, a case of short term memory loss. Switching off a light is an almost effortless exercise that really can make a difference.
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Half dishwasher or washing machine loads are an energy saving no-no! Wait until appliances are fully loaded before switching the machine on. Remember, a half load wastes as much energy as a full load.
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Many people are guilty of leaving electrical appliances on. No thought is given to the amount of energy and money being wasted as a result. The most common items left on stand-by include mobile phone chargers, television sets, radios, DVD players and laptops, amongst others. According to the Power of One, equipment on stand-by uses 20% of the energy it would use when fully on.
Turn it down…
The gas bill instils an array of emotions within the consumer ranging from surprise to anger. While gas prices can be extortionate, the abuse of gas resources is a massive contributory factor. There are a number of ways to avoid a huge gas bill with minimal effort and reap the associated savings:
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Technically, it is still summer. However, we live in Ireland. Yet, there are measures you can take before you hit the heating button. Extra layers won’t cost you anything but will protect you against a drop in temperature. Plus, your Mam will be delighted that you finally took her advice and wrapped up.
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If you must put the heating on, put it on a low-medium temperature. By turning down your heat to a comfortable 20ºC and lowering your thermostat by 1ºC, you could knock 10% off your heating bill.
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Cutting your showers down to just 3minutes or less can actively help you to save money on water and to minimise your heating bill. Remember, the longer you spend in a shower does not equate to how clean you will be!
Sustainable Energy Ireland has estimated that you could save up to €500 a year by becoming more energy aware. By correcting your wasteful habits, you could stand to save money while helping to save the environment. It sounds like a good deal to us!
Tags: cutting consumer costs, energy efficient, energy savings
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The cost cutting measures shown are all common sense ! Perhaps we could have a “Cost cutting” brainstorming session / blog from interested commons sense people who would like to have their say?