December 5, 2022

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Sustainable Energy Living: Saving The Planet One Switch At A Time

It is not easy for citizens to live environmentally friendly and socially responsible because unsustainability is the norm in urban areas. Inefficient transport systems, massive amounts of waste, irresponsible use of energy and poor land and building management are only a few obstacles that put a heavy burden on the environment and societies. There are many ways to live more environmentally friendly. This article is devoted to your energy habits and consumption. Saving the planet one switch at a time is not complicated, but a must. Let me guide you through the possibilities to become an eco-conscious citizen.
Written by Veronika Tietz

Sustainable living refers to adapting our lifestyles to live within the Earth’s means. You might have come across the term ‘net zero living’  or  ‘zero energy balance’. Unfortunately, those terms do not serve well as a compass on HOW to live sustainably. Therefore, I created a series of sustainable URBAN living strategies to give the right advice on making your lifestyle more sustainable. In this article, we focus on energy in the form of electricity and heat: sustainable energy living. 

In general, sustainable energy living follows the principle of less is more. When you implement those strategies, you will not only be more environmentally friendly, but you will also decrease the pressure on your wallet and save money.

The idea that we are more sustainable by replacing everything unsustainable is counterproductive. Sustainable energy living supports the positive impact of reducing the pressure on the environment by using less energy. We need to use a lot less. 

Besides giving you simple instructions to live more energy efficiently, I also collected the benefits you gain from implementing those sustainable energy living strategies. As a matter of fact, sustainable living does not only benefit the environment, it benefits you too.

 

To plant a seed for sustainable energy living

Before we continue with the juicy information, there are some general thoughts I want to share with you regarding your mindset or as I like to call it: nurturing ground. Our mindset is a powerful tool to achieve whatever we want. Therefore, I want to bring you into the right swing before you dive into the sustainable energy living strategies:

  • Consume mindfully.
  • Break it down into small steps. 
  • Do not get distracted by people who are not on the same journey (yet).
  • We spent most of our time at home.
  • When there is a suggestion to switch products, do so when the old one is not working or burnt out; use what you have.
  • Create systems (like habits) that support your sustainable lifestyle.

Strategies for sustainable energy living

Switch your light bulbs. Energy-saving light bulbs like LED (light-emitting diodes) are up to 90% more efficient than incandescent light bulbs or halogen light bulbs. At first glance, LED light bulbs are more expensive, but they are cheaper in the long run. LEDs use about 75% less energy than the two counterpart bulbs and last 5 to 10 times longer!

According to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, 10 halogen light bulbs replaced with LEDs can save you 650 $AUD/420 €/440 US$ over a period of 10 years. 

Take preference in sunlight. Use natural light when possible. It will help you reduce your electricity bills immensely. Living in the city, you might not be in favour of the sun’s trajectory, depending on the location of your apartment and the orientation of your windows. 

Luckily, there are ways to maximise the light you have. Here are some suggestions to make your dark apartment look lighter:

  • Place mirrors strategically to make your room look bigger and lighter.
  • Shiny objects like bowls or flower pots can reflect the little light you have.
  • Choose bright furniture and decoration. Avoid clunky and heavy-looking furniture. The same goes for the choice of fabrics: lighter colours.
  • Paint your walls white.
  • Place lighting according to your needs, and brighten up the places which your use often (Do not forget to instal the LEDs).

 

Make switching electronics off your new flirt strategy. 10-15% of consumed electricity comes from appliances in standby mode. Leaving your appliances on standby can add 150 AUD/96 €/101 US$ to your electricity bill – per year. This suggestion needs a Sherlock Holmes hat. Go through all your rooms and identify every electronic that unnecessarily consumes energy when not in use. 

Save Energy

Found in a hostel in Thailand

 

Here is a list of the highest energy-sucking appliances (yeah it sucks):

  • Wireless router
  • Multi-function printer
  • Digital video recorder
  • Soundbar
  • Smart speaker
  • Washing machine
  • Clothes dryer
  • Microwave
  • Powered wireless speaker
  • Laptop
  • Television
  • Games console
  • Air conditioner

 

What to do? When not in use, flick the switch. Get into the habit of turning off your appliances after use. Make power appliances like multiplugs more accessible and do not hide them behind furniture, make them visible to you. There are also smart home devices on the market which include timers to switch your energy-using devices off at certain times of the day. Sensors can also help to reduce your energy consumption. 

Overall, I suggest you make it a sustainable habit to manually switch off all your devices. It increases your awareness to live energy efficiently, plus it makes you feel better when you remember to live more sustainably

Consume heat mindfully. In the colder months, heating can become essential to keep your apartment warm. Find out what the energy (star) rating of your heating system is. Additionally, learning how to use a thermostat efficiently will save you some cash. Between 18°C to 20°C is the most efficient temperature. Every extra 1°C adds 10% to your heating bill.

Tips to reduce your heating bill:

  • Do not heat at night, instead use thick curtains or blinds to reduce heat loss by 20%
  • Heat consciously means to heat less and only when you really need it. Avoid heating rooms that are not in use.
  • When it is too cold in bed, consider using a hot-water bottle.
  • On wooden floors or tiles, place carpets for warmer feet.
  • Do not leave stuff on your radiator or do not put furniture on top or in front to make it easier for the warm air to circulate in the room and heat it consistently.

 

Sustainability Victoria explains the pros and cons of different heating options. If you rent, have a talk with your landlord and find a solution to install a more sustainable heating option in the apartment. Moreover, insulation might be another option to make your apartment more efficient to keep it cool or warm.

For the hard-hearted among us who want to save a big chunk of money: ditch your heater and put on more clothes. Extra layers of clothing or blankets make coldness bearable. It might be a good time to learn how to knit thick socks and beanies.

Put your signature on the contract of a renewable energy provider. Switching electricity providers (if possible) is one of the most effective solutions for sustainable energy living. Not only are you consuming electricity made by nature, but you also support an industry that aims at providing clean energy to households. Ditch coal and gas and say hello to sun, wind or hydro.

Every country has different providers, so I suggest you find your opportunities to show highly polluting electricity providers the stinky finger and embrace mother nature’s gifts. The persistent rumour persists that renewable energy is more expensive, but luckily as with most technologies, the cost sinks due to technological advancements and investments. For example, solar is already cheaper than dirty energy.

Price of renewable vs fossil fuel energy

Development of prices from different energy sources (from Our World In Data)

 

Sustainable energy living: Switch your lights off and save the planet

Remember, unsustainability is the current norm. That needs to change and every single one of us has the opportunity to become the change. After all, sustainable energy living is simply about readjusting our understanding of how we want to live. Do you want to live on the cost of the planet and consume as if there is no tomorrow?

The answer is no. Of course, we can do better. We can make a difference and find solutions. Even in the most hostile areas for sustainability: Cities.

Sustainability is about continuous improvement. Those sustainable energy living strategies are no exemption. Equally, I want to keep those strategies up to date.

If you have any sustainable energy strategies or suggestions to share, I am looking forward to hearing or reading from you. Simply reply via comments or send me a direct message via this contact form.

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Right Here Right Now: Add This Inspiring Book To Your Sustainability Book List

In this day and age, we need influential and meaningful calls to action. With her second book ‘Right Here Right Now’, Natalie Isaacs shares her and the wisdom of other women in fighting the climate crisis. She is the founder of the global climate action movement 1 Million Women. By introducing you to her book, I hope that it will be as inspiring to you as it was to me. Even better, I attended her book launch event in Brisbane. Hence, I want to share my impressions with you. So, let’s find your potential to lead the way to solve our societal challenges.

ABC Of Sustainability: The Vital Role Of Words To Change The World

The alphabet is the foundation of many spoken languages. Communication is a necessary factor to understand our world better. Our choice of words determines our success or failure. The words we use reflect our knowledge, beliefs and values, thus underestimating the power of words can get us into trouble. However, trouble is what we are in considering the many challenges humankind is facing. Sustainability is associated with different terms and it is our choice if the words we use bring positive or negative results. Which words does it take to make our world a better place? Let us find out!

Green Pressure: The Global Sustainability Trends To Follow In 2022

Trends come and go. But Sustainability trends will have a lasting impact on our societies and the planet. Finding new ways of meeting basic human needs is a prevalent red thread. Citizens become increasingly more aware of bad practices which result in pollution, global warming, biodiversity loss, social injustice etc. Governments as well as industries are experiencing waves of pressure from citizens who are fed up with bad leadership. We all have our contributions to make and luckily, a lot of awesome global citizens have figured out different solutions to tackle humanity’s most pressing challenges. The following Sustainability trends will give you an idea in which direction we are heading. You’re more than welcome to join us!

The 10 Most Pressing Sustainability Challenges Of The 21st Century

Environmental, social and economic sustainability challenges are more diverse than we are aware of. We can not simply focus on one challenge (climate crisis). Instead, we need to address all the various challenges of the 21st century if humanity wants to experience the 22nd century. Our future depends on the actions we take today. Long-term sustainability goals will help us to create a livable future. Nonetheless, it is not wrong to be aware of what the hurdles actually are. Therefore, I collected the 10 most pressing challenges of the 21st century to give an overview of where urgent action is needed.

Challenging Your Assumptions And Beliefs: 7 Effective Approaches

Nowadays, valid proof is more important than anything. It’s tough to avoid polarising messages as they seem to creep around every corner. Therefore, it’s essential to look at how you perceive the world. From questioning your thinking patterns to considering other people’s perspectives, there are many ways to challenge your assumptions. Those skills help you understand the world a little better and find the reasoning in a conflict-centred world. It’s not easy, but definitely worth your time to deal with how you perceive the world. I want to show you an easy shortcut you can apply every day. Enjoy!

Reimagine Sustainability: Create The Impact You Want To See In Our World

Reimagine Sustainability is about creating the impact we need in our beautiful world. It’s not difficult anymore to find information about what’s going wrong, but it’s still not that easy to find useful and encouraging information about what we can do. Many of us want to become the impact and do something. But what? Where to start? Isn’t it already too late? Those are the questions you will find answers to in Reimagine Sustainability. In this article, I want to show you what Reimagine Sustainability is about – its purpose and missions – how it can support and help you on your sustainability journey.

6 Key Competencies In Sustainability For The 21st Century

Sustainable development requires societal change and societal change starts with us. If we actively decide to evolve and expand our current knowledge, skills, attitudes and values, we have the chance to become the change we want to see in the world. Moreover, we need to take action with respect to real-world sustainability problems. An effective way to make a difference is to learn about the key competencies in sustainability. Those competencies create a nurturing ground where we can build the future we want. Instead of being a passive citizen, you can become engaged and empowered. Sometimes this can be as easy as expanding your competencies.

Unusual Sustainability New Year’s Resolutions For 2023 You Need To Know

2023 needs you. Particularly, it needs your actions to create meaningful impacts. Sustainability New Year’s resolutions serve as a focal point to make a difference. To feel empowered and imagine all the opportunities you can seize in the New Year. Sustainable principles have a bad image, but you know better. The unusual New year’s resolutions, shall help you to build a meaningful foundation to make 2023 your year. No self-improvement is needed. Sometimes all it takes to make our world a better place is to be human – compassionate and full of energy to create a future worth looking forward to.

7 Powerful Ways To Focus On What Is In Your Control

We feel good when we can freely spend our time on what matters most. Understandably, we get frustrated if we are not in control of our precious time. Control is a relevant topic and refers to control over others and control of yourself. The latter is a competency that contributes to your mental and physical health. Unfortunately, we don’t have much control over our lives as we have to stick to working schedules, household chores and other obligations. Acknowledging what is outside of our control and not letting it consume us is an essential step to gaining sovereignty.

Embrace New Beginnings: The Power of Starting Over

Starting over on a sustainability journey is crucial for growth and progress. It grants you a fresh perspective, enabling you to challenge old habits, embrace innovative ideas, and reevaluate your practices. By adapting to the ever-evolving field of sustainability, you stay current with advancements and maintain relevance. Starting over allows you to course-correct, learn from past mistakes, and refine your strategies for significant impact. It reignites your passion, reminding you of the significance of sustainability and rekindling your motivation to create positive change. Embracing a new beginning inspires others to join you, fostering a collective effort towards a more sustainable future.

2 Comments

  1. Älga

    There is a group of plants called thermogenic plants that are able to produce their own heat. I think non of them is suitable as a house plant and it they were probably they would not produce enough heat, but how cool would that be 👀

    Reply
    • Veronika Tietz

      Love your idea! This will be added to the list as a future opportunity 🙂 Thank you for sharing this cool energy-saving idea!

      Reply

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