Earth Day Energy Saving Tips

The 50th Earth Day is coming up on Wednesday, April 22. Launched in 1970, Earth Day is now the largest secular observance in the world, recognized by more than a billion people taking action for energy conservation and clean energy. Even while we’re doing our parts to stay home and stay safe, we can plan to make a difference this Earth Day. It’s an opportunity to build habits for a greener home or to take small steps each day to reduce our carbon footprint, conserve energy and save money. 

10 Simple Earth Day Actions to Save Energy

1. Mix in a walk or bike ride instead of driving for a carbon-free activity. 
2. Install heavier drapes to keep your home cooler in the summer (and warmer in the winter). DIY tip: You can also use batting (or quilting insulation) and lining fabric with a close weave such as muslin to make your existing drapes energy efficient! 
3. Switch up meals by using your outdoor grill as often as you can. 
4. Spring can offer nice days to line dry or air dry your clothes. Dryers can also be noisy, so line drying can ensure one less sound to contend with on remote conference calls. 
5. We’re all spending more time in the home, so replacing air filters in your HVAC system every three months is important to increase your unit’s efficiency, which saves you energy. If you have pets that shed, you may need to change filters more often.
6. Replace old-style incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs. They last longer than their incandescent counterparts and cost a lot less for you to keep the lights on. Also use solar-powered outdoor lights for pathways, sidewalks, or floodlighting. 
7. Capture that passive solar energy by pulling back drapes and curtains to use more daylight to naturally light your home. 
8. And on nice days, open doors and windows to cool your home naturally.  
9. ...but close all windows and doors when heating or cooling your home. Making sure all seals are weathertight on windows and doors will keep your home energy efficient. Many homes lose a lot of heated or cooled air through cracks.
10. For small loads of dishes, handwashing is more efficient than running your dishwasher. It’s also another opportunity to wash your hands!

While April 22nd is a great day to start committing to energy sustainability, every day is an opportunity to reduce our impact on our environment and planet. Tri-State is taking steps as well to ensure the energy you do use is responsibly generated. Check with your local electric cooperative or Public Power District for other programs, incentives and tips to reduce your bill and carbon footprint. 

What small habits are you creating to save more energy every day? Let us know on Twitter @TriStateGT or on Facebook! 

How Can I Participate?

Send us a message on Facebook or Tweet @ us @TristateGT using #EarthDayCooperative and we’ll RT and Share some of the most inspiring examples from our member community. 

Our Responsible Energy Plan

Together with our electric cooperatives and public power district members, we are expanding renewable energy generation and reducing emissions while ensuring reliable, affordable and responsible electricity for the communities we power. We have a vision for the future in which the benefits of an economy-wide energy transition – from cleaner air to economic opportunity to a greener grid – are shared with everyone. Our Responsible Energy Plan (REP) outlines our commitments and goals to help make that vision a reality. With this plan, we can achieve an energy transition that allows us to be responsible to our members, our communities, our employees and our environment.

For more energy-saving tips, check out Energy Conservation Tips While You and The Kids #StayAtHome