Excessive energy usage hurts the environment and your wallet. Reliance on carbon dioxide emitting energy sources is causing destructive global climate change. Using a lot of energy also increases your electric bill each month. Whether you want to reduce your environmental impact or just want to decrease your electric bill, here are some ideas to reduce your energy usage.

1. Shut Off Your Computer

Computers account for a huge amount of energy usage both in office buildings and in homes. Simply turning off your computer when you are done using it will help you reduce your energy usage.

2. Eliminate Phantom Power

electronics such as televisions, printers, microwaves, and chargers use a certain amount of energy even when they aren't in use. This energy consumption is called phantom power. Over the course of a month, all this energy really adds up! By unplugging these electronic devices when you aren't using them you can save a lot of energy from month to month.

3. Use LED Light Bulbs

LED light bulbs use about 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs. They also last longer, so you are also reducing how much waste you produce. They are also approximately the same price as incandescent bulbs so you don't have to spend more to get the benefits.

4. Remember To Turn Off The Lights

Turning off the lights when you aren't using them is an easy way to save energy. Once you get in the habit of flipping the light switch when you leave a room you will save energy without even thinking about it!

5. Upgrade To Energy Efficient Appliances

You can now find an energy efficient version of pretty much every appliance you can think of. There are energy efficient computers, printers, microwaves, water heaters, air conditioners and laundry machines. Even if these appliances cost slightly more up front, you will make the money back because you will pay less on your energy bill.

6. Shade Your Windows

Shading your windows in the summer will keep your house cooler. If you use air conditioning this will reduce the amount of time you need to keep your air conditioner on. In the winter this will help prevent heat loss through the windows and your heater won't need to use as much energy.

7. Use Green Power

Using green power won't actually decrease the amount of power you are consuming, but it will reduce the harmful effects your power consumption has on the environment. Installing a solar panel is one way to switch your energy consumption to a clean, renewable source. Depending on where you live your solar panels may produce more energy than you consume, which means you can sell the excess energy back to the grid!

8. Insulate Hot Water Pipes and Water Heaters

If your water heater and your pipes transporting the hot water around your house aren't insulated your water heater will need to use more energy heating the water up. Making sure you have sufficient insulation will cut down on the amount of energy the water heater uses.

9. Take Shorter Showers

Taking less time in the shower will reduce the amount of water your water heater needs to heat up. This will reduce your water heater's power consumption.

10. Use Smart Technology

Smart plugs, thermostats, and lights can all help reduce power. You can program technology to turn off at certain times to reduce power consumption when you are away from home or sleeping. You can also lower the heat or turn off the air conditioning when you are sleeping.

If you follow these tips you will definitely reduce your environmental impact and carbon footprint. You also may be able to save hundreds of dollars on electricity each year! Even if you are only able to do one of these ideas you will save money and the environment.