UNPLUG!

This week's blog assignment was quite the challenge. The topic of the blog is all about saving energy, and more specifically, to see what kinds of things we can do as individuals in order to minimize our energy use in a 24 hour period. We were challenged to drive as little as possible, take shorter showers, use cold water to wash clothes, hang those clothes to dry instead of using the dryer, reduce the use of the A/C or the heater, and, finally, the most challenging part of the it all: avoid using any electronic devices (TVs, iPods, computers and, yes, cell phones) for the whole 24 hours. 

Well, I would say I was semi successful at completing the challenges given to us in the blog assignment. I did not do laundry during this time (I usually only do it once a week), and I typically take short showers (10 minutes at most). So I would say I was successful in reducing my use of hot water. Also, it was extremely cold in my house in the morning, but the heater was never turned on (mostly because my mom wants to save money), but we all used blankets and jackets to keep warm. In that aspect, I think I did pretty well, too. I did drive a bit during this 24 hour period, just to get myself to and from school, and then to and from work. All in all, I probably drove about thirty miles or so within this time frame. Because, it's getting darker earlier, not using overhead lights was harder, but I was at work for most of the evening so we had to have our lights on in there. I usually do unplug the toaster when I'm not using it, but I made sure to unplug other appliances as well. Now, the electronic devices part was a lot harder for me. I was doing well in the beginning of the day; I asked my mom to wake up so I wouldn't have to use the alarm on my phone, which usually leads to me checking social media before I get up and get ready. I didn't really use my phone at all until the evening, but it was mostly just to communicate with family, and I don't think I checked any social networks for the whole day. I did use my laptop for some homework assignments, and I did end up getting a little distracted, but I did not charge it at all throughout this time frame, and used it way less than I usually do.

There are definitely parts of this assignment that I would be willing to continue doing in order to save energy. Since it really doesn't get too cold here in SoCal, the heater is not usually needed, and I found that using blankets or putting on more clothes, really does work just fine. I'd also be willing to only wash my clothes with cold water (which I think I usually do anyway) and hang up all of my clothes to dry, instead of just the ones that aren't supposed to go in the dryer. I already don't love to drive if I don't have to, and I've really been wanting to get a nice bike that I can ride to and from places, so that is something I can work towards as well. I'm a big fan of the internet, so giving up the laptop for stuff other than homework would be a lot harder, but I think it's something I can definitely work on reducing. Same with my cell phone; I'd like to start using it less for fun, and more for necessary communication and pictures.

Of course, unplugging appliances was one way that was already mentioned in the assignment to reduce energy consumption without inconvenience. Another way would be to get solar panels in order to get the energy from a renewable source like the sun. However, this is a little more costly and might be something to work towards rather than being able to do it right away. I could also keep my blinds open on sunny days in order to keep warm, and keep the thermostat down when no one is home, both of which are inexpensive and easy to do. Also, only running the dishwasher when it is full, rather than when there are just a few dished or if it is half full. This is something we already do, but it is a good way to make sure too much water isn't be wasted, and it is easy to do.

This assignment has helped me to learn that it is not too hard to use energy efficiently, and it is worth it to help save money and to help the environment. I will definitely continue to do some of these things in order to increase energy efficiency in my home.