Conserving energy, water and fuel are all vital for the transition from an economy that depends on nonrenewable resources to becoming a more sustainable society. There are many simple and easy lifestyle changes that can help to conserve these resources. Some of these habits require a conscious effort on your part, at least in the beginning, while others will come easily to you.
Ways to Conserve Water
The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection offers several ways to use less water in your daily life. Save 9.5 gallons of water every day by turning off the tap water while you brush your teeth. Shave with a few inches of water in the sink instead of running the tap, and you will save up to 19 gallons. Wash your hands in a partially filled sink, instead of running the tap, to save a gallon every time you wash. Short showers save nine gallons of water, and shallow baths save 10 to 12. A brick in your old toilet tank saves one to two gallons with every flush. Or replace your old toilet with a new one to save three to four gallons.
Partially filling a sink to wash and rinse dishes uses only five gallons of water, and a dishwasher on a short cycle uses only seven. Compare this to the 16 gallons consumed by your dishwasher on a long cycle and the 30 gallons you consume by washing dishes under a running tap.
To save even more water, you can wear some clothes twice or more between washes. Jeans, slacks and many shirts do not need excessive washing if you avoid spills and dirt, and if you fold and store them properly after wearing.
A dripping faucet leaking one drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water per year, according to the website AmericanWater.com. In many cases, repairing your faucet is as simple as replacing a washer.
How to Use Less Energy at Home
Reduce the energy you consume to heat and cool your home by making use of your home's windows and natural air flow. Open windows on warm days to encourage an indoor breeze. Keep your drapes or blinds open during the day to use heat from the sun and to light your rooms. Turn down your thermostat when you're away at work, or when you're asleep under warm blankets. If you have an automatic thermostat, you can program it to lower the heat at these times. If you use an air conditioner, use trial and error to find the ideal area where the cool air it generates will circulate throughout the home. Run the air conditioner periodically in this location, rather than all day long.
Consume Less Fuel When You Travel
Walk or ride a bicycle instead of driving whenever you can. If you need to travel long distances, consider public transportation such as buses and trains if they are available. When you have to drive, observe the posted speed limits to cause less strain on your engine, which will in turn burn less fuel. If you can do so safely, ride a small motorcycle, scooter or moped to save even more fuel while you travel. Consider an electric or hybrid-electric car when you purchase your next vehicle, and keep your car properly maintained so it's running at maximum efficiency.
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