Climate change and the environment is top of the global agenda today as the need to cut down on carbon emissions becomes increasingly apparent. As the leaders of the world come together to stragegize how to stop global warming and reduce emissions, we can also do our part to help. How? Put in a homemade solar cell and not only get free energy but do something good for the environment while you’re at it. If you do install a homemade solar cell, use a kit that is made by a certified professional. Electricity is dangerous if you use an uncertified kit. Start your research here by reading our homemade solar cell diy review.

By consuming less energy at home, the workplace, and in our automobiles, we can make a noticable impact on emissions. You can also accomplish this by installing a homemade solar cell. It’s not as intimidating as it sounds. Besides that, you are going to save money as well. If everyone makes an effort in their lives, it can make a huge difference on a global scale. Here is some advice on how you can cut down on your energy usage.

In the home

• Switch to energy-saving light bulbs. While you’re at it, put in a homemade solar cell. It’s not as hard as you probably are imagining it to be. Depending on many factors they may be a little more expensive but over the long haul they will save you about 10 times their cost.
• When you are boiling water, or heating anything, only boil the amount you need. Boil just enough water for the amount of tea you plan to consume. After all, is it necessary to boil a pot for one cup.
• Switch off appliances when you are not using them to save money and energy. Turn off your computersm stereos, videos, and TVs when you aren’t using them. They consume a lot of energy even when in standby mode.
• Recycle everything that you can. We throw away our own weight in rubbish every month, but bottles, cans, paper, card, plastic and aluminium can all be reused or recycled which saves energy. For instance, the quantity of power required to produce 20 cans from recycled material is the same amount of energy it takes to produce one can from unrecycled raw materials. If you recycle enough, your monthly garbage bill will go down if you reduce the service needed.
• If you live in a sunny area you could potentially meet all your energy means using solar panels.
• Turning down your thermostat by just three degrees will save you 10 per cent in energy costs. Additionally, ensure that your house has enough insulation to keep as much heat in as possible.
• Make sure your dishwasher and washing machine appliances are full before you start them. You can also try warm water instead.
• Keep the lid on pots and pans when you are cooking.

In the office

• Where at all possible, store all documents in digital format on your computer or another storage device. If you must print something, use both sides of the page.
• There is no need to fly half way around the world for a meeting. Online audio and video conferencing has effectively cut out the need for face to face meetings and conferences. The amount of energy that can potentially be saved here is huge.
• Completely power off your computer or put it in sleep mode when it is not in use. When your computer is in screensaver mode, it is still using a lot of energy.

In the car

• For shorter journeys, leave the car at home and use a bike instead. Bikes are a healthy, quick and enjoyable way to get around, and a great way to avoid congestion if you live in a big city.
• You may get to work faster and it will even save you money.
• Get a hybrid and join the millions who have. Ask yourself if you really need your polluting sports utility vehicle. If not, trade it in for a hybrid? Buy a hybrid and use a fraction of the energy for your journeys.
• Use the bus. Public transportation uses less energy than driving. Also, remember that air travel is a major polluter so use ground transport wherever possible.

In the shops

• Do not accept plastic bags from shops. Always bring your own reusable bags.
• Try to buy organic food that is grown locally. Organic food is farmed less intensively and usually requires less energy to produce. Because it is produced locally, there is a savings in transporation expense.
• Try to eat less meat. One of the biggest contributors to the greenhouse gases accumulating in the atmosphere is surprisingly farm livestock.

Water

• While water isn’t strictly energy, it is a finite resource that we need to preserve and take care of. Here are some tips on how to cut down on your water usage:
• Always use the shower instead of the bath.
• Never leave the tap running while brushing your teeth.
• Make sure you have a full load before using the washing machine or dishwasher.
• Put in a system to reuse your water run-off and prevent water waste in your garden. This will also encourage you to use non-harmful soaps and washing powders.
• Water your garden when the sun is not at its peak like before sunrise or at sunset.This gives the water a chance to get absorbed into the soil rather than just evaporating into the heat if you do water during the day.
• Water butts or large water containers are a good idea for the garden. Situate them under the edges of your roof so they receive run-off when it rains.

These are just a few of the simple, yet effective, ways that you can help cut down on energy usage and reduce your carbon footprint. Even if we all follow just a few of these steps it will make a big difference and save us money as well.

Ralph Somers, editor

Homemade Solar Cell Forum