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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]April is Earth Month: What are you doing to preserve the planet? During a time when climate change has left millions of people fretting about Earth's future, it makes sense to pause, take a breath and ask what you can do as an individual to turn things around. Conserving energy is one of the best ways to make life on Earth more sustainable. Every day, we use energy to light up our rooms, cool and heat our homes, and run the appliances and electronics that make modern life go. However, the more energy we use, the more we enlarge our carbon footprint and contribute to climate change. Most power plants in the U.S. burn fossil fuels that both release greenhouse gases and create pollution that potentially poisons the air. Using too much energy also hurts our pocketbook. Excessive energy use wastes money that could be put to better purposes. "The less energy you use, the more money you will save," says Caio Bersot, an energy expert at EnergyRates.ca, a Canada-based energy rate comparison website. Following are some things you can do to conserve energy, save money and help promote the healing of the planet.

How to Conserve Energy 

1. Get a home energy assessment

We all waste energy, and a home energy assessment can reveal where we are most careless – and what we can do to fix the problem. During a home energy assessment, a professional comes into your home and goes room by room, often using special equipment to measure your energy use. This type of audit reveals how much energy you use and where your energy use is inefficient. Armed with this knowledge, you will be ready to begin changing your ways. To find a professional who can perform an audit, reach out to your utility company or a state or local government energy office. You can also use the Residential Energy Services Network's directory to find certified professional energy assessors in your area.

2. Install a programmable thermostat

A programmable thermostat can automate when your heating and air conditioning turns on every day. By establishing a regular routine in this way -- such as keeping the home warmer during winter days and cooler at night when you sleep -- you can cut your use of energy and lower your bill by as much as 10% a year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

3. Shift to LED lighting

Lighting makes up a large chunk of your home's energy use. Typically about 15% of the electricity you use goes to this purpose, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Households that switch from incandescent light bulbs to more energy-efficient LED lighting cut their household energy costs by an average of $225 annually.

4. Look for energy-efficient appliances and electronics

Many of today’s newer appliances are more energy-efficient than those of the past. When buying new appliances, look for the Energy Guide label, which discloses how much energy the appliance is likely to use and the estimated annual cost to operate it. Even if your appliances are older and do not offer cutting-edge energy features, you can still make them more energy-efficient. For example, keeping the fridge and freezer full can improve efficiency. If necessary, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends putting bags of ice in the freezer and pitchers of water in the fridge. When doing the laundry, washing clothes in cold water reduces the energy you use. Do not excessively dry clothes and check the dryer vent regularly to make sure it is not blocked.

5. Make changes outside your home

While many people focus on increasing energy efficiency inside their homes, you can also make outdoor changes that will have a big impact, says Alan Duncan, the CEO of Solar Panels Network USA, a Denver-based company that installs solar panels. “Planting trees and utilizing solar panels can also help in reducing carbon footprint,” he says. Solar panels absorb photons from sunlight, creating an electrical field that can power your home. Planting trees can provide more shade for your house, reducing your energy costs. Trees also are great for the environment, as they absorb and store carbon dioxide.

6. Switch up your transportation routine

Perhaps the best way to conserve energy outside the home is to reduce driving. Perhaps you could make better use of public transportation, including busses, subways and light-rail systems. You could also switch to an electric car or hybrid. The federal government is now offering tax breaks and other incentives to those who make the switch to EVs. If you must drive and plan to stick with a traditional vehicle, drive in ways that increase fuel-efficiency. For example, aggressive driving can lower highway gas mileage by up to 30% and city mileage by up to 40%, says the U.S. Department of Energy. Every 5 mph you drive over 50 mph is like paying an additional 22 cents per gallon of gasoline. Keeping heavy items in your car and placing things on roof racks also causes you to burn more energy.

7. Be patient

Individually, the changes outlined above might seem small. But each move toward greater energy efficiency builds momentum. "Energy conservation is not a one-time effort," Duncan says. "It requires continuous commitment to sustain a habit." Over time, these little changes can add up to something much bigger. “If everyone plays a part, we can make a significant impact in reducing carbon footprint and promoting sustainability,” Duncan says. The savings from switching to a more energy-efficient lifestyle also require patience, Bersot says. "Don't expect miraculous results, especially on the financial side," he says. "Most energy conservation changes are long-term investments, so you will see your savings over the months or even years."[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="166084" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1681755730887{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/attitude-air-purifier-pink-grapefruit"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="166085" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1681755776923{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/planet-ultra-dishwashing-liquid-free-clear"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="166083" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1681755813556{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/tru-earth-laundry-detergent-eco-strips-fragrance-free"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]