It is easy to get overwhelmed when you are trying to conserve resources around the house. Breaking it down to a room by room process can help clear things up so you can see what changes in your daily routine will have the biggest impact. 

Reducing Waste In the Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most wasteful rooms in the house. Starting here lets you see a big difference fairly quickly. 

Use countertop appliances for cooking when it makes sense. They use a lot less power than larger models, and they are sufficient for many cooking and baking tasks. Use vent fans to cool hot kitchens in the summer to help cut down on cooling costs. If you really want to cut back on power usage for appliances, consider adding solar panels to your home. Solar lease and financing programs can make them an affordable option for many families, and they can help you conserve energy beyond the kitchen. 

When it comes to water use in the kitchen, it is actually more environmentally friendly and cost-conscious to use the dishwasher over hand washing. Most modern dishwashers use very little water compared to what it takes to wash a full load by hand. Plus, their built-in heaters tend to be more efficient than whole house water heaters. Save water (and time) by skipping the manual rinse, too. It isn't really necessary with new washers and detergents anyway. 

Cut back on kitchen waste by composting scraps such as fruit and vegetable peels. This will not only reduce your trash burden, but it can also be an excellent source of fertilizer and soil conditioner for next year's garden. Try swapping dish towels for the paper towels you use for cleaning up small spills and drying your hands to reduce waste even more.

Living Areas That Thrive on Less

The main living areas of your house often use a lot of energy. Entertainment systems and tech devices requiring chargers are a common power drain. Set up a centralized charging station where the family can stash phones and tablets to charge. Use a surge protector that can be turned off when there is nothing plugged in. Electronics and appliances use power when they are plugged in even if they aren't being used, so this is an easy way to cut down on usage a bit. 

Cutting Back in Bedrooms

This is actually one of the more environmentally-friendly spaces in your house. But, as bedrooms have an increasing amount of tech and entertainment devices, they are using more and more electricity. Install surge protectors for these systems and power them down when they aren't in use. This will cut back on silent energy draw, and it may also help promote better sleep by reducing blue light emissions. 

A Power-Saving Laundry Routine 

One small room, so much energy use. Start by running full loads of laundry whenever possible. This will help maximize cleaning power and reduce your household water consumption. Most items can be washed in cold, or at least cool, water instead of hot, which will conserve electricity. Once clean, hang your clothes to dry. if you don't have an outdoor area to devote to this, look at folding indoor racks that can handle the task. 

General Tips to Conserve Resources 

There are plenty of things you can do as a general practice to help increase conservation efforts, too. Use window treatments to take advantage of the sun's heat during cooler months, while blocking it during the heat of summer. 

Look at the temperatures in your home. Adjusting your thermostat a couple of degrees closer to the outside temperature can have a huge impact on heating and cooling costs (and the energy used to power them), while not creating a very noticeable difference in your home. 

You'll want to find a balance between your conservation goals and implementing practical solutions that work for your family. If one method of cutting back is causing you undue stress, look at alternatives. In time, you will find out what adjustments fit into your lifestyle, and which ones don't. Use that information to develop a pattern that maximizes resources without cutting into your comfort.