Some hot 'kuryentipid' tips

The sizzling temperature these days is enough to fry us to crispy perfection. So we try to find relief any way and anywhere we can. These are frying times, indeed, and a lot of people have found a sanctuary in air-conditioned malls. Or in the comfort of their air-conditioned homes. Cool! Yes … until you get your astronomic electric bill and you nearly go into shock.

With the rising cost of electricity, we all try to cut corners where we can, when we can. And now, to prevent the power shortage in Mindanao from worsening, environmentalists have come up with 22 hot energy-saving or kuryentipid tips to bring down usage — and wastage — of electricity, a precious basic commodity.

 “By saving electricity at home and in the workplace, we not only cut back our monthly bills but also rein in the greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels, which contributes to environmental and climate pollution,” asserts Roy Alvarez, EcoWaste Coalition president.

He adds, “Aside from conserving electricity, we urge the public to voice their preference and support for safe, socially acceptable, non-nuclear, and renewable energy investments and projects to address our country’s growing power needs.”

To provide sustainable solutions to the country’s perennial energy problems, the environmental watchdog underscores the need for “a far-reaching shift from fossil-fuels (such as coal, oil, and gas) to non-toxic renewable energy sources (such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and others).”

While others may have been in the dark as to what to do on Earth Day last Sunday, April 22, EcoWaste Coalition did not have to do anything earth-shaking to prove they care for Mother Earth. They simply asked their staff, beginning April 16, not to switch on the lights and turn on the air conditioners as much as possible, and simply let the natural light and air into their office.

More, everybody swore to keep the office glass windows clean and open, get rid of unnecessary clutter (the other Big C that’s quite hard to beat at the office which is not quite paperless yet), and install indoor plants to improve air circulation and keep the temperature as pleasant and bearable as possible.

And next time you hold an office meeting, take this meaty tip: If you’re serving snacks or a meal, go meatless. Why? Because meat requires more “burning” by the body and thus produces higher body heat. Instead, it’s cool to serve fresh local fruits and vegetables. They’re also healthier.

Now, here are some down-to-earth kuryentipid tips from the EcoWaste Coalition:

1. Open the curtains, drapes, and windows, as well as remove clutter, to allow natural air and light in.

2. Install skylights wherever possible to maximize the daylight.

3. Switch off lights, radio and television sets and other energy-consuming devices when not in use.

4. Wipe lamps and fixtures clean to improve illumination as dust decreases brightness and energy efficiency as well.

5. Reduce the strength of lights to only what is needed. Use lights that are low in wattage for places where bright lights are not required.

6. Make sure that outdoor lights are switched off during the day.

7. Turn off appliances and gadgets at the power socket when not in use since these still consume electricity even on standby mode.

8. Use a fan to keep cool instead of an air conditioner. Ceiling fans, in particular, can make you feel a few degrees cooler while consuming less electricity.  

9. Use the air conditioner sparingly, set the temperature at about 25°C, keep the filter clean, and ensure the unit is serviced regularly for more efficient cooling.

10. Organize household chores like cleaning, cooking, ironing, and washing more efficiently and try to do these with lesser frequency.

11. Put leftover food on top of newly-cooked rice to warm it instead of using the stove, toaster or microwave.

12. Set fridge temperature at 5°C, organize items to allow airflow and do not overload. Cover liquids and foods to control moisture that makes the fridge work harder. Also, leave enough room around it to allow the heat to escape from the condensing coil and compressor. 

13. Refrain from keeping the refrigerator door open longer than necessary; check the gaskets and make sure the door shuts tightly to avoid cooling loss. Defrost regularly. 

14. Allow hot foods to cool first before putting them into the refrigerator.

15. Thaw frozen foods before you cook them to lessen energy use. Defrost them inside the refrigerator as this helps in cooling the fridge.

16. Keep your washing machine loads at maximum; wash manually if possible. Save laundry wash water for cleaning and other purposes.

17. Use just the right amount of detergent to avoid extra rinsing.

18. Hang clothes to dry instead of using the electric dryer.

19. Choose not to iron clothes whenever possible.  If needed, do ironing in big batches. Start with clothes that need lower temperatures, avoid heating and re-heating the iron and use the residual heat for delicate items.

20. Use the kulambo (mosquito net) instead of electric mosquito repellants. Keep your surroundings clean and dry to prevent mosquitoes and other pests like roaches and rodents from breeding.

21. Save water by turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth or wash your face and do take shorter showers as these also save electricity used for pumping the water.

22. Plant vegetables and fruit trees to shade your house from the sun and water them after sundown. Get some indoor plants to make the house cooler.

Surely, there’s a ton of wisdom in the saying “Waste not, want not.”

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