How can I teach my flatmates to switch off the light after themselves?

Answer 1

Others have given good ideas, but some people, especially if they do not have to pay the bill are horribly thick. My only suggestion is if all else fails, get a loudspeaker or whistle and blow it anytime you find a light on, and they are around.
You might have to almost become a nutter to get this across to them, but if you don't drive them off because they think your a dangerously barking mad, they will get sick of your reminding them, and start to switch off.

--That Cheeky Lad

Answer 2

This is really difficult. I guess they're not ethical types or you could talk about global warming and nuclear waste. Those lights that switch off after a few minutes are good, I have them in my shared house in the hall and stairs.

Also replace all the common area lightbulbs with energy efficiency lightbulbs then at least if you fail they are using less energy and the bill won't be so high.

I like the idea of pinning the bill total next to light switches!

Answer 3

I think if you are all adults that you won't be able to "teach" them, but you should ask them. Now, if you have asked them repeatedly and it is still a problem you may need to sit them down and discuss the light bill, tell them you really think you can all save some money by remembering to turn off the lights. Think of some sort of an incentive to do so.
Good Luck!

Answer 4

Make copies of the most recent electric bill, or write down the total on slips of paper. Tape them on every light switch in the flat. When they see "$231" taped on the switch, they will start turning off the lights. Next month, tape up the new bill and show how much you saved.

Answer 5

Do like I did to my daughter. After asking SEVERAL times to turn off the lights when she left a room, I finally started taking out the light bulbs. She was a 16 at the time. It worked. When I put them back in a week or so later, she started turning them off.

Answer 6

Teach them like a puppy who pees on the floor. If they leave the light on, take them by the ear to the room and explain the bad behavior and tell them that it's not acceptable. Ecplain what the good behavior is. Make then turn off the light. Remember to let go of their ear before you rip it off.

Answer 7

Don't pay the bill and leave them without electricity for a while. Then they will learn to appreciate it more. Or put a yellow exclamation mark ( make one out of cardboard ) and stick it above the switches till they get the message.

Answer 8

Have them be responsible for paying the entire bill if they can/t remember to turn off lights. That lesson will be sure to act as a reminder...haha! Good luck!

Answer 9

This is a very difficult question. I can't get my family to do so, even after reminding them that the extra amount I have to pay to the electricity company could go toward providing things that the family needs. I just go and do it myself, often making a big production of it, by doing so when I'm sure they see me do it.

Answer 10

Tell them! Say it's expensive to keep replacing them and isn't good for the environment. If you want to go further stick a post-it-note next to each light switch with a reminder!