No matter if the cost of using energy is coming from your own pocket or your family member is paying for it, reducing the amount of energy consumed is your own responsibility. Doing so will allow you to save money on utilities, and you’ll also play a role in conservation and sustainability as a long term strategy for a better future which is equally important.

Here are few ways to go about it;

1. Adapt to and participate in energy efficient plans

Your current plan may’ve allotted you more than what you require in terms of energy consumption. Energy efficient plans, on the other hand, allow for optimization. People living in different states can search for local energy plans. For example, those living in Texas can search for new plans by searching through resources such as Texas Electricity Providers, while residents of California can find details about energy efficient plans through California energy providers.

People can also be a part of plans initiated by the government such as the three-year plan for Massachusetts. In this plan, the ongoing efforts for this year till 2015 will continue based on previous successes. The plan will be based on custom approaches for different home owners, funding and introduction of new programs for gas and electricity efficiency. The plan also aims to reduce greenhouse gases.

2. Invest in energy saving appliances and accessories

The age of digital technology is upon us, which means appliances are being used vigorously in U.S homes. There’s an appliance for almost everything; washing clothes, lightning up the room etc. Gadgets like smartphones and tablets also consume a lot of energy while being charged.

Traditional lighting can be replaced with LED lights that will cut down energy use as well as the cost. Custom made solutions also allow for increases security, allowing users to operate and turn the lights on or off from any remote location. Smart appliances such as LG’s new Smart Washing Machine can conserve energy use by reserving its wash-cycles for the off-peak hours when the cost of electricity units will be cheaper. New-generation power adapts can be invested in as they give gadgets the exact amount of power required and turn themselves off automatically.

3. Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes can go a long way to conserve energy and save on monthly energy costs. These changes can be made in different sections of the house, ranging from kitchen to the bathroom. The changes can be made by individuals and families alike.

You can start by turning off the lights during times when they’re not needed. Open up windows during the day to allow natural light to come in. Opening of windows will also allow for natural ventilation, while switching to thicker drapes will prevent the harsh sunlight from making the house warm.

4. Look for grants and tax incentives

The government is now providing regular grants and tax incentives to home owners for energy saving purposes. When residents upgrade the efficiency of their homes by a certain percentage amount, they can apply for tax credits based on their respective state.

For example, Ohio recently got tax credits for energy efficient home improvements reinstated. Credits are available for different additions and change, ranging from $50 for an air circulating fan to $300 for a biomass stove or a high energy efficient electric heat pump.

Following these tips will allow you to conserve energy and contribute towards the aim of a better, sustainable future.

Found art with personality! First up is Etsy artist, Ken Swallow who creates his “KenBots” in his “Bot Cave” down near Tampa, FL. His artwork runs the gamut of creatures, motorcycles, and ROBOTS. Many of his pieces have a steampunk influence. Very creative and wonderfully inventive! Check out his website at www.kenbots.com or his Etsy Store at http://www.etsy.com/shop/KensArt

Next stop is artist Branimir Misic from Sherbrooke, QC, Canada. His bio mentions that he is a mechanical engineer and has been working on mixed media sculptures from recycled objects for over 30 years. His creations are true works of art. Check out his Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/BranMixArt

Next up is Will Wagenaar from Reclaim2Fame who has been featured on GreatGreenGoods previously. He is a Floridian who has been creating with recycled re-purposed materials for more than 30 years. His work always communicates the powerful message of creative reuse. You can view his creatures on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/willwagenaar/ or read his blog at: http://willwagenaar.tumblr.com/. You can view his Etsy shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/reclaim2fame

Cheri Kudja from Hollywood FL loves to tinker with small found objects, hardware & jewelry scraps and has a special fondness for spark plugs & lugnuts. Her creations generally contain at least 75% of recycled or upcycled items. LOTS of personality in these robots! She can be found on Etsy at BittiBots: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ckudja

From Erica Elgin who has a degree in sculpture from Portland State University. All of her robots have names and a backstory. Her site is bubbling with enthusiasm. Erica obviously had a lot of fun making these creatures. Her Etsy site is here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/enca

Want to create your own robots? Buy the book!
Available on Amazon

If you need a tree, bat, or habitat survey and you live in England or Wales, you may want to check out this site. They are a company that has been in business since 2005 and they have office locations in Bedfordshire, Cheshire, Kent, London, Surrey, Sussex, in addition to having 12 home-based, full time people spread throughout the area. For all of the surveys that they offer, you have 3 different levels of of service to choose from, depending on how fast you need to have the survey completed and what level of detail that you need. Prices and details are posted on their website for you to easily compare and contrast services. If you need fast service, you can book and pay with a credit card easily over the phone. Many reviews and testimonials are available.