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Install a Homemade Solar Cell and Do Your Part to Preserve the Earth

By: Ralph Somers A


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Climate change and the environment is top of the global agenda today as the need to cut down on carbon emissions becomes increasingly apparent. As world leaders negotiate to come up with a plan to halt climate change and cut down on emissions, we can also play our part. How? Put in a homemade solar cell and not only get free energy but do something good for the environment while you're at it. Make sure to use a kit made by a certified professional if you do decide to put in a homemade solar cell. Electricity is dangerous if you use an uncertified kit. Start your research here by reading our homemade solar cell diy review.

Reducing the amount of energy we use in our home, in our workplace and in our cars can have a significant affect on emissions. This can be accomplished by putting in a homemade solar cell. It's not as intimidating as it sounds. Besides that, you are going to save money as well. We can collectively make a big difference on a worldwide scale if everyone take the time to make small changes. Here is some advice on how you can cut down on your energy usage.

In the home

* Switch to energy-saving light bulbs. Put in a homemade solar cell while you're at it. It's not as hard as you probably are imagining it to be. They cost slightly more, but save up to ten times their price over their lifetime.

* When you are boiling water, or heating anything, only boil the amount you need. You do not need a kettle full of boiling water for one cup of tea.

* When an appliance isn't being used, turn it off to save both money and energy. TVs, videos, stereos and computers left on standby can use use a lot of energy.

* Recycle everything that you can. We throw away our own weight in rubbish every month, but bottles, cans, paper, card, plastic and aluminium can all be reused or recycled which saves energy. For example, it takes the same amount of energy to make 20 cans from recycled material as it takes to make one can from scratch. If you recycle enough, your monthly garbage bill will go down if you reduce the service needed.

* If you are located in a region of the world with ample sun exposure, you could likely get all your energy consumption needs met with solar power.

* Lower your thermostat by 3 degrees. You'll save about ten percent on your electric bill too.,. Additionally, ensure that your house has enough insulation to keep as much heat in as possible.

* Make sure your dishwasher and washing machine appliances are full before you start them. You can also try warm water instead.

* When you cook, place lids on your pots and pans.
In the office

* Where at all possible, store all documents in digital format on your computer or another storage device. If possible, print on both sides of a page of paper to reduce waste.

* It is not necessary to fly to a meeting that is half way around the world. Since the technologies of video and audeo teleconferencing have gotten so good, they have in effect eliminated the necessity of in person meetings and conferences. The amount of energy that can potentially be saved here is huge.
* Completely power off your computer or put it in sleep mode when it is not in use. When your computer is in screensaver mode, it is still using a lot of energy.

In the car

* For shorter journeys, leave the car at home and use a bike instead. Use your bike to get around. Not only is this a fun and healthy way to get around but you'll also not have to deal with traffic jams if you live in a congested part of town.

* Experiment with car pooling to get to and from work. It will save you money and could get you to work faster.

* Join the hybrid revolution. Ask yourself if you really need your polluting sports utility vehicle. If not, trade it in for a hybrid? Buy a hybrid and use a fraction of the energy for your journeys.

* Public transport is far more energy efficient than driving. And don't forget how much pollution airplanes cause. Whenever possible, opt for ground transporation options like trains, buses, or cars.

In the shops

* Do not accept plastic bags from shops. Be sure to bring your own recyclable bags.

* Try to get locally grown organic food. Organic food is farmed less intensively and usually requires less energy to produce. Because it is produced locally, there is a savings in transporation expense.
* Consume less meat. One of the biggest contributors to the greenhouse gases accumulating in the atmosphere is surprisingly farm livestock.

Water

While water isn't strictly energy, it is a finite resource that we need to preserve and take care of. Here are some tips on how to cut down on your water usage:

* Always use the shower instead of the bath.

* Never leave the tap running while brushing your teeth.

* Make sure you have a full load before using the washing machine or dishwasher.

* Try to install a system to use your waste water run-off to keep your garden watered. This will also encourage you to use non-harmful soaps and washing powders.

* Water your garden early in the morning or just before sunset.This gives the water a chance to get absorbed into the soil rather than just evaporating into the heat if you do water during the day.

* Water butts or large water containers are a good idea for the garden. To catch the rain run-off, place them under the edges of your roof.
This is just a few examples of easy yet powerful methods for reducing your energy consumption and carbon footprint. Even if we all follow just a few of these steps it will make a big difference and save us money as well.

Ralph Somers, editor
Homemade Solar Cell Forum

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

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