Results: I just completed a survey about living off the grid. This is about doing a better job of living ON the grid.
Published on 01/21/2025
I don't really have the option of living off the grid but am trying to use as little energy as I can. My motivation is about 50% driven by the cost of energy and 50% by climate change guilt. I have done the big things to reduce my footprint but there are many small things that we all can do that collectively can have a major impact. I will share them with you and if you have some of your own please also share.
QUESTIONS
GO to COMMENTS
Comments
1.
1.
It is difficult to improve one thing by 100% but easier to change 100 things by 1%. As citizens, some changes proposed by our governments are quite drastic but there are many small things we can do. Rather than spending $millions and adding pollution to go to conventions to discuss climate, the counties that pollute the most should be pressured to do more. Which of the following countries should be pressured to do more?
The country with the dirtiest energy is Turkmenistan with the dirtiest power grid for electricity production worldwide: 100 percent of this country's energy capacity came from fossil fuels.
33%
717 votes
China is the most polluting country in the world with 9.9 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions, largely due to the export of consumer goods and its heavy reliance on coal.
50%
1092 votes
The United States is the second most polluting country in the world with 4.4 billion tonnes of CO2 emitted.
37%
821 votes
India is in 3rd place with 2.3 billion tonnes of CO2 emitted.
34%
744 votes
Since China exports its pollution in the goods it sells to the US, a reduction in importing goods from China is a good place to start.
33%
720 votes
Other (please specify)
2%
48 votes
Not Applicable
32%
705 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.34% | 14 | |
| All of the above | 0.17% | 7 |
| All of them | 0.10% | 4 |
| all | 0.07% | 3 |
| DavKar's an intelligent Tellwutter, so he should know that CO2 is the furtherst thing from pollution Also, what he cals fossil fuels are better categorized as naturally geologically occurring, as the y're not derived frmo dinosaur, etc. skeletons. | 0.02% | 1 |
| All should apply to be positive in fight. | 0.02% | 1 |
| Pipelines- how much yearly do pollution effect persons. In a country? | 0.02% | 1 |
| I guess you forget, plants will die without CO2, we will too! | 0.02% | 1 |
| I am not sure | 0.02% | 1 |
| It's going to be up to citizens to save this planet not Countries or Governments. When we stop buying they will stop supplying...and that goes for everything we eat, buy, create and except as how things are. Citizens it begins and ends with us. | 0.02% | 1 |
| global warming is a hoax to make the rich richer and the poor poorer | 0.02% | 1 |
| Instead of IMPORTING goods build factories and produce what your country NEEDS | 0.02% | 1 |
| any country that's contributing to pollution should do better | 0.02% | 1 |
| i don't feel its the place of the more developed countries to **** on how other countries produce energy unless they are willing to help with money or sharing knowledge. | 0.02% | 1 |
| It s the economy that dictates all that, not people s opinion! | 0.02% | 1 |
| all countries should help out and do their best | 0.02% | 1 |
| Plant a tree. | 0.02% | 1 |
| Not sure. | 0.02% | 1 |
| Want to KNOW A REAL SECRET? The CO2 that BILLIONS OF HUMANS BREATHE OUT is the REAL CONCERN OF WEF GLOBALISTS. Lol | 0.02% | 1 |
| Canada is no Saint. We need to do more, too. | 0.02% | 1 |
| Canada | 0.02% | 1 |
| Everywhere is a good place to start | 0.02% | 1 |
| guilty criminals should be instantly killed so they don't waste pollution | 0.02% | 1 |
| unsure | 0.02% | 1 |
2.
2.
Paraguay has the cleanest power grid in the world, achieving a 100 percent clean electricity supply from hydro power in 2024. Iceland uses geo-thermal. Whether it is geo-thermal, hydro, solar, tidal , or any other source the US can use it since it has the resources - Canada too. We don't have to take the drastic measures other countries do. Rather than fly staff from every country on the planet to a climate convention, send a documentary crew to countries with clean energy, record what they are doing, and send everyone a copy of the video. Does this make more sense?
Yes
46%
1012 votes
No
7%
157 votes
Undecided
20%
442 votes
Not Applicable
27%
589 votes
3.
3.
Questions #1 and #2 could have a big impact. Meanwhile we individually can make smaller but cumulatively just as important changes. First lets consider which home appliances use the most electricity? Heating and cooling: 45-50% Water heater: 12% ... Lighting: 9-12% ... Refrigerator: 8% ... Washer and dryer: 5% ... Electric oven: 3% ... Dishwasher: 2% ... TV and cable box: 2% Which of these can you have an impact on (if you have not already done this)?
I don't need the water to be as hot to wash clothes, wash dishes or for showering - I can turn the heater down slightly and save money by doing so.
32%
710 votes
I can turn off lights in rooms I am not using and switch to LED light bulbs.
53%
1164 votes
A refrigerator and freezer use less power when they are full Most energy is wasted when the door is opened and the cold air escapes. When full there is less air to escape which saves energy. I can keep track of what is in my fridge/freezer and where it is in there so that door opening is kept to the minimum
31%
676 votes
I can save up and do larger washing loads, use cold water, use lower heat in the dryer and air dry as much as possible. (on hangers and/or drying rack).
37%
814 votes
Instead of using the big oven on the stove I will use other appliances such as: toaster oven, air fryer, microwave that has this ability or other (suggestions please)
34%
737 votes
The dishwasher is easier to eliminate if I don't let the dishes pile up. I will do the dishes as soon as rather than once a day in the washer.
18%
404 votes
I didn't know the TV and cable boxes used so much power. If I only use these items for a few hours a day I can turn them off until I need them.
19%
411 votes
Other (please specify)
2%
36 votes
Not Applicable
30%
654 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.16% | 8 | |
| all of the above | 0.04% | 2 |
| already do all of these | 0.04% | 2 |
| slow cookers | 0.02% | 1 |
| I already do what I can | 0.02% | 1 |
| Open curtains in winter when it's sunny, keep them drawn when cloudy. Turn down house heat and make sure windows and doors are well fitted. Heat where you are, less heat in empty areas. | 0.02% | 1 |
| Vacumns, electric cutting saws | 0.02% | 1 |
| turn down the heat n wear a sweater use a fan to blow cool air up from the basement to cool my home | 0.02% | 1 |
| I do the above. | 0.02% | 1 |
| to my surprise, I do all of these things already. There is no box to check to say so. | 0.02% | 1 |
| hi guys | 0.02% | 1 |
| I cook in a slow cooker and instant pot which costs less than running the oven or range top. | 0.02% | 1 |
| I do most of this already. Cheers! | 0.02% | 1 |
| all | 0.02% | 1 |
| Been doing all these things forever. | 0.02% | 1 |
| seal around your windows and save hydro summer and winter,,,turn UP the cold and turn down the heat | 0.02% | 1 |
| Don't watch TV, take cool showers already. And am already boycotting electric vehicles | 0.02% | 1 |
| already doing all of the above | 0.02% | 1 |
| Hang dry clothing, hand wash dishes | 0.02% | 1 |
| I do all of these | 0.02% | 1 |
| I do all the above. | 0.02% | 1 |
| I dont even have a TV | 0.02% | 1 |
| This is not a good product to buy. They last a shorter period of time. | 0.02% | 1 |
| The impact of all these activities is comparable to that of hiding under a table if a nuclear bomb explodes. | 0.02% | 1 |
| Unplug your washer and dryer when they're not in use. | 0.02% | 1 |
| Already do all of the above! | 0.02% | 1 |
| unsure | 0.02% | 1 |
4.
4.
You might be wondering "Does unplugging appliances save electricity?" Here are some aspects of that. Which were you aware of?
When your devices are plugged in but not in use, they consume electricity, known as the phantom effect. As a result, unplugging those devices can save electricity.
42%
924 votes
Do not worry about unplugging every gadget; simply plug what you can into a power strip which you can switch off and on as needed. Note: Give your microwave its own plug.
25%
557 votes
Even when turned off, the majority of modern kettles draw 30W (watts) of electricity each hour. That means a year of keeping your water kettle plugged in, you've spent/wasted $2 of electricity not using it. That's not much on its own but if everybody does it......?
16%
350 votes
Some "Smart" devices can turn on when you are not around such as computers to do updates. Power surges can also cause this.
19%
428 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
20 votes
Not Applicable
38%
831 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.31% | 7 | |
| unsure | 0.04% | 1 |
| Carbon taxes, like wars, are nothing more than a transfer of wealth from the masses to the oligarchs. | 0.04% | 1 |
| What is a water kettle? | 0.04% | 1 |
| all of the above | 0.04% | 1 |
| Wouldn't a pluigged-in power strip suffer from the phantom energy consumption effect even if all the plugs in it are turned off as well? | 0.04% | 1 |
| It is not a good idea to unplug a computer when not in use. Repowering can cause serious software problems with newer operating systems that are not usually free of loading problems. | 0.04% | 1 |
| My electricity is included in my rent...An in Canada a landlord cannot raise your more than 30% of your yearly (monthly) income!!!!!!!!!!!! | 0.04% | 1 |
| l switch off my computor when not using, its solid state and starts up in seconds | 0.04% | 1 |
| Been doing all these forever as well. | 0.04% | 1 |
| all | 0.04% | 1 |
| hi guys | 0.04% | 1 |
| I have most things on a smart plug. | 0.04% | 1 |
| Organize, and be consistant | 0.04% | 1 |
5.
5.
You may also be wondering "Should I replace that old fridge, TV, stove, laundry appliance etc if it is still working well?" Which of these factors might apply to you?
Newer appliances are generally more energy efficient than older models. New refrigerators are about 50% more efficient than those made 20 years ago. Energy Star models use less power than older models.
34%
751 votes
Energy Star washing machines use at least one-third less energy and water.
32%
696 votes
Energy Star heating and cooling models can reduce annual energy costs by 20% or more.
23%
512 votes
Unless the appliance has some sort of sentimental value, or it is some kind of antique needed to maintain a historical landmark, you are better off replacing the appliance, with a good warranty one if the cost for repair would be close to or more than a new one would.
16%
349 votes
While your old refrigerator may still look good and work well, if it is more than 15 years old, it's more than likely using a significant amount of energy -- in fact, more than twice the energy of a new model.
18%
406 votes
If you are a senior on a fixed income there may be a government incentive program to help you with the cost of switching, especially if the item uses a fossil fuel. The more energy inefficient or polluting it is, the more likely there will be a program to replace it.
14%
313 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
25 votes
Not Applicable
41%
910 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.29% | 9 | |
| I only purchase new when the old one stops working. A new stove can cost $1000 | 0.03% | 1 |
| Your question is ambiguous: do I do these things or do I Need to do these things? I already do or have replaced all of them. | 0.03% | 1 |
| I use all LG smart appliances | 0.03% | 1 |
| hi guys | 0.03% | 1 |
| all | 0.03% | 1 |
| l retired at 80 and changed all our appliances for energy savings and updated our hydro panels | 0.03% | 1 |
| Unrealistic for people renting and unaffordable for the masses | 0.03% | 1 |
| aware of all of the above and already do most of what is listed | 0.03% | 1 |
| I already have energy Star appliances that I use until it cost more to repair them than it does to buy a new one! | 0.03% | 1 |
| unsure | 0.03% | 1 |
| Newer appliances do not last longer then 2 years so why switch an older appliance which is still working. | 0.03% | 1 |
| Being retired, there's no way am I going to start replacing reliable, older appliances because they might not be as efficient as new ones. | 0.03% | 1 |
| I endeavor to keep a light on only in the room I'm occupying at any given time. | 0.03% | 1 |
| all of the above | 0.03% | 1 |
| Get the landlord to swith from gas to electric stoves | 0.03% | 1 |
| MY OLD FRIDGE HAS BEEN TROUBLE FREE MY NEW ONE HAS HAD SEVERAL ISSUES I WONDER IF THE NEW ONE ACTUALLY COSTS MORE TO HAVE OVER A 5 TO 10 YEAR PERIOD I KNOW IT WOULD BEVER KLAST AS LONG AS MY OLD ONE | 0.03% | 1 |
6.
6.
You might still have an old TV and be wondering if you should switch to an LCD one. Here are some things to consider. Which of them might apply to you?
LCD TVs have sharper, crisper images than CRT TVs. They are easier on the eyes if you have less than 20/20 vision.
27%
586 votes
LCD TVs have a larger viewing area than CRT TVs. A smaller LCD TV can have just as big a screen as a bigger CRT TV.
20%
441 votes
LCD TVs have a matte screen that reduces glare.
18%
399 votes
LCD TVs are designed to last over 100,000 hours, while CRT TVs typically last 18,000–20,000 hours.
15%
327 votes
LCD TVs use much less power than CRT TVs. and are cheaper to manufacture and run than CRT TVs.
21%
461 votes
LCDs do not have a burn-in issue. CRTs, if left on the same screen for long periods of time, will leave a ghost image.
12%
273 votes
A used CRT TV is probably worthless and heavy to move. Used LCD TVs are easy to find and easy to move.
16%
345 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
20 votes
Not Applicable
48%
1061 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.32% | 9 | |
| I watch video on my computer monitor, and when one of those goes out on me, it's still a heavy enough thing to dspose of, provided it can be disposed of without having to pay some entity a processing fee for dong so | 0.04% | 1 |
| DONT KNOW | 0.04% | 1 |
| I feel like this is just trying to boost tv and appliance sales, which are probably down. | 0.04% | 1 |
| I have an LED TV set and several older CRT TV sets and thery all work. One is a Toshiba that has a built-in VCR player BION. If you have an older Atari 2600 game system, an older CRT TV set's screen can be used in place of a monitor screen. | 0.04% | 1 |
| Did all of that | 0.04% | 1 |
| I do not have TV | 0.04% | 1 |
| all | 0.04% | 1 |
| There is not one human in our society that still has a CRT tv. | 0.04% | 1 |
| hi guys | 0.04% | 1 |
| already know all this AND have had all LCD TVs for years. | 0.04% | 1 |
| LED | 0.04% | 1 |
COMMENTS