Home Energy Do’s and Don’ts

Always turn off the TV when you leave a room

Which type of material takes up the most space in landfills?

paper

Use sponges instead of paper towels

Save all of your newspapers, cans, bottles for recycling

What is the number one item recycled in the United States?

Aluminum

Don’t leave the refrigerator door open. Decide what you want before you go to the refrigerator.

Don’t leave the water running when brushing your teeth.

What is the percent of energy used to heat water in the home?

30%

Wash your dishes by hand if there is a small amount

Use recyclable bags for shopping

How many gallons of water is used in a five minute shower?

20 gallons

Turn your garbage and yard waste into compost

Use cloth diapers

How many gallons of water is used to brush your teeth if water is ran continually?

2 – 5 gallons

Use both sides of your paper when writing

Turn off the lights when you leave a room

How many pounds of garbage do Americans throw out daily?

Over 500,000 tons daily

Keep the heat at 68 degrees during the winter

Keep the heat at 72 degrees during the summer

How many disposable diapers are thrown out daily in the United States?

49 million

Use more insulation around windows and doors

Use washable cups and plates instead of paper ones

Americans throw away enough trash every _____ to fill a house.

Americans throw away enough trash every hour to fill a house.

Plan meals for less wasted foods

Buy products in containers that can be reused

If you stacked every aluminum can Americans throw away in landfills in just 5 weeks it would reach the ___.

If you stacked every aluminum can Americans throw away in landfills in just 5 weeks it would reach the moon_.

Keep boxes for storage

Save old towels for using as rags

How many hours of TV can be watched with the energy saved by recycling one aluminum can?

4 hours

Make one trip to town instead of many small trips

Use a slow cooker instead of an oven

How much of the world’s energy does the United States consume?

27%

Use recyclable batteries

Take a shower instead of a bath

How much on the average does a clothes dryer cost to run for a year?

$85.00

Ride the bus instead of parents taking you to school