Energy conservation tips to share with your family

• Turn off lights and appliances when you leave a room--including computers or video game consoles.



• Replace ordinary incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Shown here:



• Use room air conditioners only when you are at home.



• Use the microwave or toaster oven instead of the big oven whenever possible.



• Turn off the oven right after food is cooked.



• Close curtains and blinds to keep out the sun on hot days. Open them up in winter to add warmth.

Easy ways to conserve water

• Take 5 minute showers. Get wet. Turn of the water and lather up. Then rinse off. Save more than 5-10 gallons of water a day!



• Catch some of the shower water in a bucket to flush the toilet. If you are waiting for the water to warm up, catch it in a bucket to flush the toilet or water house plants. Save more than 1-2 gallons!



• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. Save 4-10 gallons a day!



• Make it a full load. Only run the washing machine or dishwasher when full. You can save energy too by drying the clothes on a clothes line!



• Make sure your parents check faucets and pipes for leaks. A small leak can waste 20 gallons a day!



• Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge. Running water and waiting until it cools down is wasteful.



• Water plants when it's cooler. Watering in the early morning is best.