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Lights, computers, and more

Even though Manitoban's electricity comes from hydroelectricity, reducing our demand reduces fossil fuel burning by making more power available for Hydro to export.

Manitoba Hydro exports its surplus power to neighbouring provinces and the mid-western United States, where much electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels. Manitoba Hydro’s exports thus reduce the amount of fossil fuel-generated electricity needed by these out-of-province clients  and consequently reduces the amount of greenhouse gases produced.


Living a climate-friendly lifestyle is in the details, too. Small changes – the flick of a switch, replacing a light bulb – can add up to big savings over time. Save money on Hydro bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions with these simple strategies.


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Lights


Buy energy-efficient compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs instead of incandescents

By replacing just one regular, incandescent light bulb with a fluorescent type, you would save 225 kg of carbon dioxide emissions a year (from coal fired generating stations - see text in the green box above). (1) Fluorescents also last 18 to 20 times longer than regular bulbs. (2)

Unlike the older flourescents, the newer "warm white" option provides a pleasant, natural color illumination to a room.

NOTE: CFLs contain a small amount of mercury and should not be thrown out in the normal trash.

Home Depot stores will now take used CFLs for recycling. Bring your expired CFLs to a Home Depot, place them in one of the plastic bags provided, seal the bag and deposit it into the display. The CFL will be recycled by Fluorescent Lamp Recyclers Inc., in Ayr, Ontario.


Clean your lights

Dirt, dust and other household fallout like pet hair lowers light efficiency and levels.


Turn lights off when you aren’t in the room

Would you leave your car running for hours on end if you weren’t in it? Same idea.


Use motion detectors for outdoor lights

Instead of leaving lights on all night, use a detector that only comes on when you need it.


Turn off a few bulbs

Some light fixtures – especially ceiling fans – have multiple bulbs for lighting. Do you need four bulbs worth of light? Try turning off one or two.


Put the Christmas lights on a timer

Set the timer to switch all those bulbs on when darkness falls and off when everyone is sleeping.


Do a quick light audit of your home

Where do you need bright light regularly? Kitchens, workshops and reading areas should have high-wattage lights. Where would a low-wattage light suffice? Transitional areas like hallways and vestibules don’t need 100 watts, nor do bedrooms. Consider the light needs for each space and adjust accordingly.


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Computers


Turn off your computer

Older models suffered under successive power cycling. However, modern computers are designed to turn off under the control of the operating system. In fact, by turning them off, the lifetime of modern computers can be extended. Don’t forget the monitor!


Turn peripherals on when you need them

Scanners, speakers and printers should be off, unless in use. Printers, especially laser printers, consume quite a bit of energy, even in standby mode.


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And more


Make your waterbed!

Blankets, sheets and comforters act as insulation on waterbeds. Without this covering, the bed must consume more energy to stay warm. For even more savings, be sure to insulate under the water mattress as well (try a few sheets of styrofoam insulation, cut to size).


Unplug your television if you’re going on vacation

Television sets that use remote controls consume energy even if they are not in use. Get into the habit of unplugging as many electrical items (VCRs, stereos, toasters…) as possible when vacationing, for energy savings and safety.