Saving energy not only makes itself felt in one's own wallet, but is also a valuable contribution to climate protection. Moreover, saving energy contributes to greater independence from fossil fuels such as gas and oil and thus reduces dependence on Russia. Together, many small changes in behaviour have a big effect.
-Check the temperature in your fridge: seven degrees is enough to keep food fresh longer.
-Load your washing machine as fully as possible with every wash cycle and use the energy-saving programme more often. This will save you water and electricity at the same time. The programme runs slower, but the laundry will be just as clean.
-Whenever possible, use the good old clothesline or a clothes horse to dry your laundry.
-Bake in your oven with convection instead of top and bottom heat. This is more energy-efficient. It also allows you to use several levels at the same time.
-Defrost your freezer regularly, because a one centimetre thick layer of ice doubles the electricity consumption.
-When cooking, use pots that fit on the hob and use a lid. Cook with only two centimetres of water in the pot instead of filling the pot completely with water. This saves time and electricity and protects the vitamins.
-Replace old light sources - including the old energy-saving lamps - with LED lamps.
-Only heat as much water in the kettle as you really need. By the way: heating water in the kettle is much more energy-efficient than on the cooker.
-Select hibernation and power saving settings in your computer that are appropriate for you. Avoid activating the screen saver.
-Avoid standby mode on all household appliances. Always switch off appliances with a power strip completely.
More information at www.machts-effizient.de
(Photo: © Willy Heidelbach, Pixabay)