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Be Friendly To The Environment And Save Your Money!

Monday, November 03, 2008. Yesterday, I saw an ad on my blog, and found something about eco friendly. I've read or heard somewhere, that if you have your plugs switched on, electricity will be consumed even if you don't use it.

Curious, I visited http://www.ecolivingathome.com/ and found a really interesting article on eco tips. Then, I found one from http://ecolivingathome.com/green_tips.php, that suggests that I should "Unplug chargers and power supplies when not in use".

It was a search after another, where I finally found a statistics that say, if you have your charges plugged in, even if you are not using it, it's consuming electricity! There's actually a nice website that says everything and confirms that I can save 5% electricity usage every month. Unfortunately, I can't find it anymore. I will share that again when I have more time. In the meantime, following links will be quite helpful:
I must say, the recent announcement of the 20% increase in the electricity bill motivates me most, to save and use less electricity.

After reading the article on the 5% savings, I immediately unplugged all the plugs, including that for my VCD player (come to think of it, I only use it, probably once a month?, but the plug is there the entire time!), eventually, moving on to removing the main plug for the extension cord - that is used for the TV, laptop, fan and SCV box! Haha... I'm really hoping to see a difference in the coming month's bill.
Before this, I've finally decided to stop using the electrical flask. Only, boiling water when I make my coffee (and come to think of it, I only do that on one weekends). So, I concluded that, I only need to switch it on, on the weekends when my parents stay over. And that means, I practically save the electricity for the flask for 5 full days per week! =O

Well, of course, there's some slight inconvenience. For instance, I will run out of time to fix myself a cup of coffee in the morning. Or, I will be too lazy to make myself a cup of coffee during the late nights. However, this in fact, reduce my intake of coffee! Considering that I used to take 4 to 6 packs of coffee a day, reducing to 4, then, 2, and now, occasionally 1 with the inconvenience, other than saving electricity, I save the "world" by consuming less electricity, and also gained some health benefits by reducing my coffee intake.
Today, someone whom I haven't met for 5 months, actually told me that I've slimmed down "a lot" (though, I think I only lost about 1 to 2 kg after the attempts to cook at home, and of course, the attempt to save electricity).

Now that my office has shifted, I'm quite happy that I could find another opportunity to save money. And that is, to walk to office from the MRT station, instead of taking bus. Although, it's probably another 50 cent to $1 dollar savings a day (sounds like a small amount), I motivate myself that I can enjoy a quick morning exercise before the day starts!


Honestly, I was never like this before. I remember, hearing my colleague, who used to take 2 or 3 buses to work. She skipped the MRT and spent an additional 15 or 30 minutes travelling time, just to save about 60 cent per trip! Each day, her savings would be about $1.20. Maybe it was because I was still single then, when most of my salary was spent on myself. I can still remember the shock and disbelief I had then. I can't imagine anyone going through that extent. And, for 60 cent! However, she reminded me, that the accumulated figure might be only $30 dollars a month, however, it can easily be her one to two weeks of grocery expenses for her household. I must say, I really admired her back then. It was so tough to imagine anyone choosing a simple life, for the sake of her family.
Today, I truly appreciate her sharing. I know, I'm definitely not alone, constantly thinking of how to reduce the expenses, or more specifically, the waste.
I can't comprehend why recession is here and electricity can still be increased and when oil prices are coming down. When some people are losing jobs, and some people getting paycut. So far, the impact ain't that great but I'm certain, this will continue for a few months and I certainly hope, it will all be over again.
I also can't understand, why ERP gantries have to be set up, even during off peak period. It seemed like only the rich or more well-off people, should be using the express ways since they can more comfortably afford the extra charges. Well, I'm not the expert and definitely, hate to comprehend this reality or the stats.
A friend told me that it was because the fuel (or gas) was bought periodically, and the recent batch, was bought 3 months back when the prices are high. Well then, I certainly hope that three months later, the electricity charges will go down, and better match the economy instead of just another time of periodic relief sum from the government.
In the meantime, let's focus on what we can control!

First of all, don't, drive a car unless you need to. These days, every one is so stressed, and you see more and more drivers that change lanes without signalling. Drivers who honed "almost" incessantly, at, other "inconsiderate drivers"! It's really terrible. I still enjoy the peace when I take the train, without worrying about bus lanes, fines and "stressed" drivers. Well of course, you must make sure, you practise your horse stance well, since most of the time, there's no seat for you, especially during the peak hours. Other than avoiding the stress, you definitely save a lot on buying and maintaining a car, on the petrol and definitely, save the environment.

Back to the topic on saving electricity back home! As of yesterday, I am officially testing on removing the unused plugs for my TV, and, not watching TV and using laptop at the same time, removing the plus for the over toaster and switching off the electricity flask. And last but not least, I have even removed the plug for the air-conditioning main switch! Ha, with the cold weather these nights, it's definitely going to cost me lesser. :P

I'm so excited to look at the bills for my coming month! Let's hope that I can save more than 5% for the initial attempt!

Cheers!

P.S. Oh dear, I just realised that my 5 minutes blog has become a 30 minutes writing. I must end now. :s Good night everyone!
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