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What is green energy? It is a way to power our vehicles, electronics and other items, without hurting the environment in the process. This article will outline some tips and tricks on how to harness the power you need for everyday activities, without hurting the planet in the process.

Using cold water in your washing machine whenever possible is a great way to save energy. The reason for this is that a significant amount of energy is required to heat water. In fact, about ninety percent of the energy consumed when washing clothes is used for heating water. Using hot water is more expensive for both you and the environment.

Try sealing gaps underneath your doors and windows during the summer and winter. This can prevent the warm or cool air from outside from entering your home, which will help keep your home at a good temperature all year. You could also try putting in rugs to provide more insulation to your floorboards.

A great way to go green is to replace your regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights or LED's. These light bulbs use about one fifth of the energy as regular light bulbs but can last up to twelve times longer. They also don't generate as much heat so they are particularly useful in the summer months.

You do not have to leave your electronics behind to live a green lifestyle. Recharge your electronics with solar chargers and you no longer have to be concerned with your electronics being a drain on the environment. It is a small investment that pays off quickly in electric bills and a guilt-free conscience.

If you are thinking about switching to solar power, do your research first. Some towns have restrictions regarding the number of collectors they allow. To bypass these limitations, think about getting your neighbors to join you and get a solar power unit that would provide power for a small group of homes.

Try to avoid using appliances that have a phantom energy load. Many appliances and electronic devices have a consistent draw on your homes energy. A simple way to avoid this energy leaking out of your home is to connect them to power strips and turn off their power supply when not in use.

A good energy saving tip for the kitchen is to cut any food you are cooking into smaller pieces. This greatly reduces the time necessary to cook the item which means your appliances will not be running as long. This serves to both cut the amount of energy needed as well as reduce the amount of your electric bill.

Replace your appliances with energy-efficient appliances. Not only will you save energy and cut down on your electricity bills, but you can get a tax break for using these appliances. Look for Vitality Star or Energy Star appliances when replacing stoves, air conditioners, refrigerators and other major electrical appliances.

Use light bulbs that are energy-efficient. Conventional light bulbs use entirely too much energy and create a lot of heat. Energy-efficient bulbs last much longer and don't give off that much heat. They can sometimes give off dimmer light, so make sure to use as many as you need in your rooms so you have comparable amounts of light.

Opt for solar lights instead of regular lighting when installing lights for outdoor use. This helps save on your energy costs, and they are very aesthetic as well. Solar lights are becoming increasingly popular, and they are a wonderful option for lighting the patio, garden, sidewalks, garage, and many other places.

Now it's up to you to take what you've learned here and put it to use. Keep these tips handy and continue to seek out more information. Soon, you'll be able to run everything you need, from the washing machine to your car, in an environmentally responsible manner and that will feel great!