How to Stay Eco Friendly During Coronavirus? | Blog-2

by Saving Energy

1. 1
   Read books instead of streaming shows to save energy. This one might not seem super obvious. However, just because your shows and movies don’t come in plastic cases doesn’t mean they don’t affect the environment. You don’t have to skip watching Netflix altogether, but try to find alternative ways to keep busy while you’re in quarantine, like picking up a book or watching some of your old DVDs or blu-rays.
   

   • If you want to stream a movie or show, you can also reduce energy by watching at a lower resolution, using a device with a small screen, and using WiFi instead of tapping into your mobile network data.
2. 2
   Work by natural light as much as you can. If you get enough sunlight in your home, there’s no need to have all your lights on during the day. Open the curtains or blinds and leave electric light fixtures off as much as possible.
   

   • South and north-facing windows work best for letting in plenty of bright, indirect light. They don’t let in as much glare and heat as east and west-facing windows.
   • If possible, work in a room with a light-colored ceiling and walls, which will reflect light and brighten your space even more.
   • Try hanging a mirror on the wall across from a window. The mirror will fill the room with reflected light and even give you the illusion of more space!
3. 3
   Switch to LED lightbulbs to get lots of light with fewer watts. If you’re still using old-school incandescent bulbs, this is a good time to switch to an eco-friendlier alternative. Get some LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs to put in your light fixtures so that you can get plenty of artificial light when you need it while using less energy.
   

   • LED bulbs last 15-25 times longer than standard light bulbs and use about 90% less energy. So, while they might be more expensive up front, they’ll ultimately save you a lot of money on your electric bills and the cost of buying more bulbs!
   • CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs are also a good alternative to incandescent lights, and they’re less expensive than LEDs. However, they’re not quite as energy efficient as LED bulbs.
4. 4
   Seal leaky vents, ducts, and other fixtures while you’re stuck at home. If you notice that your home is drafty, stuffy, or tends to get especially dusty, it’s possible that there are leaks or gaps around your ducts, vents, or doors and windows. Take the opportunity to do a little energy saving home improvement by sealing any gaps or leaks you find. This will help prevent your heating or cooling system from working overtime and wasting energy.
   

   • If you find leaks or holes in your ducts, seal them with mastic (a resin-based sealant) or metal-backed tape.
   • Fix drafts or leaks around your doors and windows with weather stripping.
   • If you’re feeling really ambitious and have lots of time on your hands, you can try following the ENERGY STAR DIY guide to sealing and insulating your entire 
5. 5
   Contact your utility company about switching to green power. If you’re stuck at home due to shelter in place orders, it’s likely that you’re using more electricity than you normally would. One way you can offset this is to opt into a green power program through your utility company. Call your company to find out what kinds of options they offer.
   

   • While you might not be able to get solar panels or a wind generator installed, you can still create environmental benefits indirectly by participating in a green power program. These programs usually work by allowing you to invest in the production of renewable forms of energy when you pay your power bill. You won’t necessarily get green power delivered directly to your home.