What Can You Do?
15 easy things you can do to conserve energy

2. Use compact florescent bulbs for task lighting. They deliver the same light as incandescent bulbs for 75% less energy. They cost more upfront, but last up to 10 times longer. Turn off your overhead light!

3. Do not use halogen lamps: they consume a tremendous amount of energy and are banned at MHC.

4. Turn off the lights, stereo, tv, or other electrical devises in your room when leaving a room for more than one minute. TV’s and VCR’s consume energy even when they are turned off. If possible, unplug your TV/VCR.
5. Use power strips (they save energy), but turn equipment off individually.

6. Buy low wattage electronic devises that are certified by the EPA’s “energy star” program.

7. Unplug and defrost your fridge when leaving for extended periods.

8. Enable the sleep mode or other power management features on your computer when not in use. The black screen when in sleep mode uses 80% less energy than a screen saver. Screen savers are NOT energy savers.

9. Choose a notebook computer rather than a desktop if possible as they use 20% less energy. The energy use of a desktop computer can be reduced by choosing a “flat screen” monitor. If you are purchasing a new computer, consider these energy saving options if possible.

10. When you set up your computer, set the energy saving software to automatically shut off the monitor when a computer is dormant for 5-10 minutes. Turn off your computer at night!

11. Use the “print preview” option to find errors before printing and print on both sides of the paper.

12. Do not open windows and doors in heated or air conditioned rooms as MHC operates as a system. If one censored room becomes cooler because of an open window, the heat for the rest of the building might increase (though not needed) to try and maintain a certain heat minimum level.

13. Check all windows for drafts and dress appropriate for the season.

14. If you have trouble with your heat, CALL facilities management. They need to deal with the problem. Remember, MHC runs as a system!

15. During the winter, open the shades to let the sunlight in. Not only can you save energy in terms of lighting, but the sunlight can aid in heating the room. On days with no sun or at night, shut the shades down to keep the heat in. In the summer, keep the shades down to get the sun/heat out.