Live ecologically: Save  electricity!

(Caritas Luxembourg)

The price of electricity also tends to increase. Traditional energy sources are related either to damage the climate or large risks (nuclear, etc.). The electricity generated by renewable resources is still very marginal. Support this production by purchasing ‘green’ electricity. Keep in mind that:

Waste is a source of enormous power.

Some tips to consume less energy while cooking:

• Clean the plates or burners on your stove!
• Adapt the power of fire to the dish you are cooking!
• Use pans with flat bottoms!
• Cover your pots with lids!
• Adjust the size of your pan to the diameter of your fire so as not to unnecessarily lose heat!
• Turn off the electric stove a few minutes before you finish cooking and reduce heat once it starts boiling!

Some tips to save energy in relation to the use of electrical appliances:

• Avoid stand-by, so turn off your appliances on standby! Small lights (red, green, yellow, etc.) are large consumers of electricity. Turn off appliances directly by pressing the button when you have finished using them!
• Please have a power strip with switch! You can completely turn off the devices with digital display or devices with no on / off button.
• Turn off your computer when you pause for more than half an hour!
• Do not leave chargers (cell phone, MP3, batteries, etc.) plugged into an outlet! Even when they are not used, they continue to consume electricity.
• Track your energy-wasting devices through an electricity metre! It is a measuring instrument that helps you determine the consumption of your appliances. You can even borrow it.
• Beware of old appliances, also those you received as a gift! The energy consumption of your devices depends on their year of construction. Those made in the 80’s consume 30% to 50% more energy than current devices.
• Exchange your old appliances against new and opt for less wasteful! This can quickly become profitable.

Some tips to spend less energy while using your washing machine:

• Always choose the wash at 40 ° C (that is 3 times less energy consuming than a cycle at 90 °)! Today only very few textiles require more heat to washing. Do not use the ‘pre-wash’! It is very rarely necessary and it is an additional expenditure of energy (15%).
• Do not turn the washing machine only when full! Occasionally, use the ‘half load’ or ‘eco’ options available on some machines, it saves water and 25% of electricity.
• The dryer uses more energy than the washing machine (over 50%). Wherever possible, avoid using it!

Some tips to consume less energy lighting:

• Remember to turn off the lights going out, wherever you are! This simple gesture, once it becomes automatic, can significantly reduce energy costs and save money.
• Bring your dead bulbs to the waste or return them to the selective collection of small chemical waste!
• Replace your conventional bulbs by using modern bulbs, also called ‘compact fluorescent’ or energy-saving lamps! They cost more to buy but consume five times less electricity and last from 6 to 8 times longer.
• Make the most of daylight! This goes in addition to the very positive effect it has on your morale. Install your offices and reading chairs by the windows! Remember to clean the windows! Dust and dirt deposited thereon prevent some of the rays to pass.
• Adapt the power of light to your activities! The light of a small lamp is enough to watch TV, for example. Lighting from the ceiling will benefit everyone in the room, so there is no need to add and install extra auxiliary lights.