Being green aware doesn’t always mean making major changes in your life.  Sometimes, small changes can have a big impact.  Interested in cutting your energy consumption, reducing your carbon footprint, and maybe even reducing your electric bill?  A few small steps are all it takes!

Start out by paying attention to where and when you use electricity.  In the past, electricity was so reasonable that many people actually thought of it as free.  Now that rates are rising, and we are all more aware of our carbon footprint, it’s important to be very mindful of every single bit of electricity we use.  Take a swing about your home before leaving for the day and make sure that all lights are turned off.

Next, unplug any appliances you aren’t using, especially before leaving for an extended period of time.  Have you heard of phantom electricity?  Here’s the Wikipedia entry that explains a bit more, but essentially some electrical devices, even when they aren’t on, are still consuming electricity.

Finally, really think before you turn an appliance or device on.  Are you really going to watch that TV, or is it just background noise?  Can you find a way to live without it maybe even just 30 minutes a day?  Do you need to use the full oven, or will the toaster oven work okay?  Many small changes added up can be a huge savings, to your carbon footprint, and maybe even your electric bill!