9 Family Summer Energy-Saving Tips
Welcome summer and the kids home from school! There is no time like now to focus the whole family on reducing energy costs. Since it is summer, you can make a game of it. Set some goals for conserving energy. You may be surprised that it is easier than it looks to save on cooling costs and conserve energy!
Use stickers, signs, or Post-its to remind kids to turn off lights, TVs, and gaming consoles when they leave a room. For example, a sign on the front and back doors asking if they did all these things is a good reminder. That way, they will be reminded before they run outside to play.
Have kids remove shoes when they walk in the door, reducing the need for vacuuming and running electric air purifiers to catch allergens.
Use thermal curtains to block sunlight during the hot summer days. They come in fun kid colors too! Have kids get used to closing their windows and curtains in the morning.
Reusable water bottles are a great way to conserve energy and reduce waste. Plastic bottles take a large amount of oil and energy to produce. They also create massive amounts of waste. In just one week, enough plastic bottles are used to wrap around the world five times.
Require that clothing be worn more than once, unless they rolled in the mud, to reduce the need for excessive washing and drying.
To avoid the energy suck of electronic devices, a specific block of time must be TV/electronics free each day. Play outside!
Map out how many fun places you and the kids can walk or bike to in your area and get going!
Have kids make sure A/C vents are clear and not obstructed by toys or other items in their bedrooms.
