Whether you’re living with your family, staying in a dorm, or renting off-campus, there are small things you can do every day to save energy. These simple actions don’t just help lower energy bills—they also reduce pollution and protect the planet. 🌍

Here are some student-friendly tips to help you use less energy at home, at school, or anywhere in between.

A special thank you to Ms. Hall and her students for helping uncover these valuable tips, inspired by resources from MortgageCalculator.org!

Electronics: Unplug and Chill

• Turn it off when you’re done! Lights, computers, and TVs shouldn’t stay on all day.
• Unplug chargers when you’re not using them—they still use electricity even when nothing’s charging.
• Use a power strip to shut off multiple things at once.

Heating & Cooling Hacks

• In winter, wear cozy clothes instead of turning up the heat.
• In summer, use a fan and close blinds to keep things cool.
• Ask your family or roommates about setting the thermostat to save energy—small adjustments make a big difference.

Light Smarter

• Switch to LED bulbs if you can—they use way less energy and last way longer.
• Don’t forget to turn off the lights when you leave a room.
• Use natural sunlight during the day instead of flipping on every light.

Laundry & Dishes Done Right

• Wash clothes in cold water—it saves energy and your clothes will still get clean.
• Only run full loads of laundry or dishes (if you're using a dishwasher).
• Skip the dryer if possible—air-dry your clothes when you can!

Seal Out the Drafts

• If your room feels drafty, ask to use a door draft stopper or rolled-up towel to block cold air.
• Close curtains to keep out heat during summer, or open them in winter to let sunlight warm the room.
• Talk to your family or housing office if windows or doors need better insulation.

Extra Credit: Learn & Lead

• Share energy-saving tips with your friends and family!
• Join or start a green team or environmental club at school.
• Think about the big picture—every little energy-saving action helps fight climate change.

Why This Matters

Saving energy doesn’t mean giving up comfort or fun—it just means being smart about how we use it. When we use less energy, we burn fewer fossil fuels. That means cleaner air, and doing your part in protecting our planet!

Want more ideas? Check out this guide from MortgageCalculator.org for even more energy-saving inspiration.