Emily DeMaio

I want to try to run my faucets at half flow when I use them for cleaning hands/dishes/etc., I think that often we don't even need the pressure  and have will often have enough water to clean whatever we are cleaning anyway. I've actually been able to turn faucets slightly on and clean my hands thoroughly. I think if there was a low flow setting on most faucets we would think twice before using full flow when its not needed. This could save lots of water, and water bills! 

I've worked on implementing a 'wait 30 days before buying anything' rule. While it is pretty hard to get used to, especially with Amazon Prime at our fingertips these days its helped me become more creative and find ways to improvise for a product I may have spent a lot of money on, and may not have even needed or liked in the first place. Its very hard though... but at least its better than coming home to find Amazon packages that belong to me without a single idea of what's inside. If that's not mindless consumption, I don't know what is :) 

Some obvious ones are turn off lights and use power strips with switches that can be turned off when not in use. Some rooms in my house I almost never turn the lights on, since I have LED night lights in them, my bathroom is one of those rooms and I almost love the nice bright glow of the nightlight more than the blaring above lights. Heating and cooling are usually responsible for the most energy consumption, so I would also say having your HVAC system checked every year and making sure you have an efficient system. Even a clogged duct can force the system to use much more energy than truly needed. 

This unfortunately does not surprise me, its amazing how much we see food as a disposable. When making food disposable we are really making our money disposable. I would rather use this money for travelling or to put into savings.