Powering Down: 4 Energy Smart Tips

Most of the time when someone talks about powering down, they are talking about shutting off their electronic equipment, computers, kitchen appliances, etc. While those are definitely important to saving energy and money, I wanted to cover a few different ideas about how powering down can help you save or gain energy.

Image by Matt McGee

1. Give yourself a break: Before you even talk about powering down everything, why don’t you start by giving yourself a breather and power down. Turn off your computer (after you finish reading this of course) and get outside. Go enjoy the weather, start reading that book you’ve been wanting to read or simply relax in the sun.

Image by Listen Missy!

Whatever you do, just get your mind and attention off work, off any problems you are dealing with and allow yourself to unwind a bit. You might be pleasantly surprised at how much energy you have and how much better you’ll feel after doing that.

2. Inventory: Do an inventory around your home and see how many pieces of equipment you have plugged in. It is probably more than you think. Maybe you forgot to put away that appliance after you used it or maybe you leave your hairdryer plugged in when it isn’t in use. Each of those items drains power and costs you money, even when they aren’t in use.

So besides just shutting down or turning off your appliances and other electrical equipment, make sure they are unplugged.

You can also use a power strip or better yet a “Smart Power Strip” to ensure your equipment is disconnected from your power source.

Image by Matt McGee

3. Pamper Yourself: This one kind of goes along with number one. You’ve been working hard and in order to prevent yourself from completely burning out, you should take some time every day/week to pamper yourself.

You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars going to the spa, although I do have to admit I love the spa. There are tons of great ideas for at-home and do-it-yourself spa treatments. Check out these simple tips from the “At-Home Spa Guide“.

Image by Arkansas Shutterbug

By the time you are done I’m sure you’ll feel more relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to tackle your next week of activities.

4. Walk, don’t drive: Whether or not you have a hybrid or electric car isn’t really the point here, the point is whatever kind of car you drive, give it a break. Power down and use your own two feet to get around. You used to do it all the time when you were young, so why not keep it up?

Image by Henry Scott

I mean even if you are using an effective fuel additive to improve your fuel economy and lower emissions, that doesn’t mean you should give your car a break. Even if you have an electric car, that doesn’t mean your car doesn’t need a break. Give it a day off. You’ll save money and probably have more energy as a result.

There are many more ways you could power down, but these are just a few to get you started. What energy smart tips do you find useful when it comes to powering down?