Save The Energy, Save The World

Just because I am not one of environmental activists nor writers, it doesn't mean that I don't give a damn to global issues like stop-use-plastic-bags campaign or recently—what people all over the world talk about—global warming. The world has been getting hot for sure, I can feel it myself right here in Jakarta.

If USA requires a perfect storm to cause blackout on southeast coast, a six-hour-non-stop rain is all what it takes to do so in Jakarta. Flood becomes our special guest coming every year. Soon after the presence of flood, the city undergoes a blackout for few hours or even days. This cycles have been running until now.

Once upon a time in early February this year, the blackout happened in my residence at the middle of the night. Me, who was about to go to sleep, apparently stayed awake until the sun rose because I couldn't tolerate the heat, remember? I desperately needed the air-con to keep me comfortable while I were sleeping.

I felt so miserable without electricity that night. Suddenly I realized how important to save the energy from now on.

Below are the easy, painless, and harmless tips for saving energy (by BBC News);

1. DON'T LEAVE APPLIANCES ON STANDBY.
   TVs: On average a traditional cathode ray tube (CRT) television set uses 100 watts of power when in use and about two watts on standby. Newer LCD and plasma screens are higher users of energy, with the largest models consuming up to 400 watts when in use and about four watts on standby.

DVD players: Consumers can safely switch off most DVD players/recorders, hard disk recorders or video recorders purchased in recent years, according to the Energy Saving Trust. They should not need to retune the devices when they are switched back on or have to contend with the dreaded flashing clock as the machines usually retain their settings.However, manufacturers recommend that some satellite TV receivers be left in standby when not in use so they can receive updates.

Computers: It may not be practical to turn a computer on-and-off if it is to be used throughout the day. However, the Energy Saving Trust suggests turning the monitor off when not in use. Peripherals like printers and scanners should also be turned off when not in use. Leaving unnecessary items on standby is said to costs each household an average of £37 a year.

2. UNPLUG CHARGERS WHEN NOT IN USE.

If chargers for devices such as mobile phones and MP3 players were unplugged when not in use, the UK could save enough electricity each year to power 115,000 homes. Chargers are not huge energy consumers in their own right, but across the UK those left plugged in unnecessarily waste over £60m and are responsible for a quarter of a million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year. If a charger feels warm when it is plugged in without being attached to a device it is still converting energy.

3. TURN OFF LIGHTS WHEN LEAVING ROOMS.

UK households spend £1.9bn on electricity every year for lighting. According to the Energy Saving Trust there is no truth in the belief that turning lights on causes a surge that uses up more electricity. "If you are going out of a room for half and hour, or even 10 minutes, turn the lights off," said Dr Paula Owen, of the Energy Saving Trust. "It does not harm the electricity supply or the bulbs. There is no point in burning electricity for no reason." If all UK households replaced one light bulb with an energy efficient one, the money saved could pay about 75,000 family fuel bills a year.

4. WASH CLOTHES AT LOWER TEMPERATURES.

Washing clothes at 30C as opposed to 40C, uses 40% less energy and is generally as efficient, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Modern powders are designed to be more effective at lower temperatures. Over-dependence on tumble dryers can also contribute to energy wastage. Consumers are being encouraged to make sure they buy Energy Saving Recommended models when buying new appliances such as washing machines and fridges.

5. TURN THE THERMOSTAT DOWN.

Turning the thermostat down by 1C can cut more than 10% from the average central heating bill. Similarly, reaching for a jumper rather than turning the thermostat up when it gets really cold can be effective. Check that your water isn't too hot. The cylinder thermostat should not need to be set higher than 60°C/140°F. And dripping taps can waste enough water in a week to fill a bath. Households with boilers over 15 years old are also advised to think about having them replaced it with a newer energy efficient model. High efficiency condensing boilers can save a third on heating bills. A major source of heat loss is through walls and windows so double glazing, closing curtains, cavity and loft insulation can prove to be cost-effective ways to save energy.

Source

*Image is taken from here