The effort to limit greenhouse gas emissions starts at home. Carbon dioxide accounts for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions, and electricity makes up the largest portion of CO2 emissions. This means that in order to lower your carbon footprint, you must look to the electricity-hungry appliances in your home with a critical eye.
Not sure where to start? Some of the worst electricity-guzzling culprits are the things you use every day, like a desktop computer and blow drier. Others, you may use weekly, like a clothes dryer–but you may not even need to use one at all if you consider drying your clothing on a rack placed beside your radiators in winter, or a line outside in the warmer months.
You can still save energy–and money–on appliances and devices that are truly necessary by simply unplugging them when not in use. Remember, just because a device is not turned on, does not mean it isn’t using power! Make a habit of unplugging your countertop appliances all at once so you don’t forget.
