Being a student comes with a lot of perks as this is the time to explore and find out your meaning in the world. Energy-efficiency is a great way to start making a difference.
Energy-efficiency is one of those terms everyone loves to throw around these days. Companies love to throw it on product labels or slip it into their advertising so much that it might be easy to think it’s just a trending industry buzzword. However, the truth is that this is anything but the case and it can even make a difference while you’re at college.
- What Is Energy Efficiency and Why Is It Important
Energy-efficiency is the practice of doing the same things while using less energy. In simple words, you keep the quality, just do it better so you waste less energy. For something to be labelled as energy-efficient, it needs to perform just as good as its non-energy-efficient participants but by using less energy. The end result is the same, but the way you got to it was kinder to the planet.
Many often get this term confused with conserving energy which is more about reducing energy use by any means, regardless of output quality.
The reason energy-efficiency is so important is because it helps to save the environment. In simple words, using less energy means less energy needs to be generated which results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions which translates into less air and water pollution. Energy efficiency isn’t just a helpful tool in combating climate change and protecting our environment, it’s essential.
However, the planet that we all need as we have nowhere else to live is not the only one that benefits from us making the leap to greener practices. The more energy-efficient your lifestyle is, the lower the energy bill. Everyone knows that a student’s budget is tight, leaving them with two choices: get a part-time job or reduce their energy bill to benefit from significant savings.
- Energy Savings Tips for College Students
Don’t worry if you never practiced energy-efficiency as all that matters is that you begin to do it as of this moment. Besides benefiting the environment, living a energy efficient lifestyle will help significantly decrease your AEP Ohio bills and help make your college experience much less stressful and much more enjoyable.
Turn off the lights
As simple as this sounds, turning off the lights when you leave the room or better yet, just spend less time with lights on by doing activities you don’t need it for such as meditating, can make a significant difference in your energy bill.
Unplug devices when they are not in use
Leaving your laptop and coffee maker plugged in while you are not using them results in phantom loads as they still use electricity.
Keep doors and windows closed
It’s common sense really: don’t let the heat get out and outdoor cold come in by keeping your nest sealed.
Turn down the thermostat
Thermostats are tricky devices. We instantly go for them when we want to get warm without thinking to layer up first. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, turning your thermostat down for just a few degrees can lower your heating and cooling costs by as much as 10%. All you have to do is cover up with a fluffy blanket and get some warm socks. You’ll be super cozy and won’t even notice the difference.
Wash your clothes in eco-mode
First of all, do only full loads. Second, go for eco-friendly programs that usually come with a temperature of 30 degrees as the cleaning agent does the job on its own.
Takeaway
College and university life can be so much better with more money in your pockets, while also knowing that you’re contributing to a higher purpose. As the above examples show, saving energy in college is easier than you think and every time you do one thing right, you are laying the foundation for a new energy-efficient habit and lifestyle that is better for the planet and your wallet. The best part is that you get to leave college with an additional title next to your chosen degree as you will be both a graduate and an ambassador of Earth.
