The Decor Chronicles: going green

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Saving Energy, for Apartment Dwellers

One definite thing I hate about living in apartments is you are limited in the amount of energy usage you're putting out, because you can't make big changes like water heaters, windows, and even appliances; you get whatever came with the apartment and there's usually nothing you can do about it.

But, you can save energy...

Even though you live in an apartment!

Just the little things can help!!!

See below for 8 easy, affordable ways to limit your energy output and save on your electricity bill in your apartment (or a house).

Change your light bulbs to CFL bulbs. They are initially more expensive than incandescent bulbs, but they last 10 times longer.
Turn off and unplug all electronics including tv, dvd player, cable box. I use a surge protector for this, that way, with the flip of a switch everything is turned off, and then I unplug the surge protector from the wall.
Keep your lights off when you don't need them. If it's too dark during the day, open your curtains. Use sheer curtains or window film if you're worried about people looking in your apartment (I sure am).
Keep your thermostat set at 78 in the summer and 68 in the winter. I know, it doesn't sound like a lot of sense, right, but setting the temp higher in the summer and lower in the winter decreases the electricity needed to cool or heat your home. Use fans in the summer and bundle up in the winter!!!
Turn off you A/C when you're not inside. There's no need to have it on; most units cool apartments rather quickly.
Use fans!! Fans circulate air and helps you feel cooler.
Use insulating curtains or drapes. Many stores sell them. I particularly like the light blocking curtains.
Install an energy-efficient showerhead in your showerhead to minimize hot water consumption (which minimizes the amount of electricity needed to heat more water, Ha!)

SN: Like I mentioned above, every single one of these tips work in a house, too!!! In a house, there are other, more permanent energy-saving changes that can help make a huge diference in your electricity bill, like replacing old windows for energy-efficient ones... more on that in another post!

So, are you conscious of the amount of energy you use in your apartment? What steps have you taken to minimize it? Have any additional tips to share? Be sure to drop a comment!

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Till next time,

XOXO

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

April Cara Box Swap Reveal

This month I participated in two swaps! So much fun and hard work!! For the April Cara Box Swap, hosted by Wifessionals, I was paired with Brie and Megan. Brie is the blogger behind Breezy Pink Daisies, and is super, super sweet! It was so much fun getting to know her! Megan also blogs and is also sweet, but both our hectic schedules kept us from connecting as much as I wish we could have!

This month's theme was "Go Green", or "Earth Day". It was so fun trying to figure out good gifts to get Megan, that I thought she would like. I made her a HOPE bracelet (you can see similar ones in my Etsy shop) and bought some other "green" items: notebook, BPA-free cup, seeds, and really cool wooden colored pencils (I should have bought an extra set for myself).

I loved the gifts that Brie sent me: a large, purple tote bag, a wooden picture frame, microfiber towels, a portable, plastic cup, really cute clothespins, shower pouf, and beads!! I'm going to use each and every one of them!

She also had cute notes attached to each item!

Love the packaging!!

This wooden picture frame had a note attached that
said she assumed that I was Christian,
because I have cross jewelry in my Etsy shop.
She's right, I LOVE GOD!