by Author Name Withheld 161

Created on: July 09, 2009

It is important to remember that, at one time, eco-conscious efforts were not always necessary-they were simply a part of everyday life. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution and the high speed technological advancements that occur today, the world as we know it is now at stake. While there are some people out there that claim that "going green" is a sham, one cannot deny that maintaining our modern way of life comes at a high price. Fortunately, there are some very simple ways that can not only slow this inevitable process of our Earth's destruction, but, on a smaller scale, they will conserve energy in our homes (and save money!).

Energy conservation is an important aspect of modern society and there are many ways this can be achieved in daily life. For example, turning off the water while brushing your teeth and shortening your shower time will absolutely reduce the amount of wasteful water consumption, not to mention saving on electricity that is required to power the running water. Another practical way to conserve energy is by using CFL lightbulbs, which are significantly more efficient than traditional bulbs. (*Take care in the storage and disposal of these bulbs, especially around children!) By turning off the lights when you leave a room or the house, even more energy can be conserved. Of course, we cannot forget about the thermostat, which saves energy when used minimally. Simply put, if the house is chilly, throw on a sweater! There is another concept that pertains to energy conservation, it is called vampire power. Vampire power is a term used to describe the process where particular device leaches electrical energy even when the device is not turned on. By pulling plugs out from their outlets when not in use, you will conserve energy and save money; not to mention, it lowers the risk of fire hazards. Safety first! Speaking of safety, it's never a bad idea to install safety covers over unused electrical outlets; not only does it prevent outside air from entering the home, thereby lessening the need of using the heating/cooling units, but it also prevents children from electrocuting their little fingers.

Many people have extra freezers and refrigerators in their homes this uses a ton of energy! By getting rid of these units, an immense amount of electricity is saved; and, although this may mean more trips to the grocery store, it provides an opportunity to buy fresh produce more often. We need our families healthy! Plus, in

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