how to make your house more efficient and less wasteful?

Question

i already am starting a compost box, and i recycle bottles, cans, and paper. i need something low budget: i can't afford solar power or renovations to the house beyond, maybe, a couple hundred (free or cheap is better)

i read about the movement for zero waste (Berkeley) and i want to get on board: how?

Answer 1

Simplest: Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs where they will fit. Although the bulbs might cost $5-10 each, they will pay for themselves in very little time because of their reduced energy consumption.

Slightly harder: Turn things off or down. Turn off lights when not in use. Lower thermostats, especially the thermostat on your hot water heater.

A little harder still: Reduce vehicle use. Start by trying to have one "car-free day" per week, where you use only bike or mass transit.

Hardest (most expensive): Add insulation to house. When they need replacement, buy new appliances that are "energy star" or high efficiency.

Answer 2

I moved out of the city, into a remote rural area and now ride a 100 mpg motorbike to town and back once a week for groceries. The only electric appliances I have are a TV, computer, fridg and freezer. Hot water is supplied by a highly efficient woodwaste burning water heater. My water is pumped by a wind system from the creek to a gravity feed reservoir uphill from the (old all metal mobile home). I grow most of my own food, and bake my own bread in a wood burning oven. Bottom line? My electricity usage has been reduced 75%, my fossil fuel usage at least 80%. Now ask yourself, if everyone in the country did this what would REALLY happen to our economy? The world economy?