Another key part of me reducing my carbon footprint and living an EcoLife is to reduce my electricity consumption to the lowest possible level and strive to buy/generate only green power.

In order to reduce my electricity usage to the lowest possible level, I first had to understand what each electrical appliance/ machine was consuming on a daily basis. I purchased two Kill A Watt meters. I then measured every electrical device in my home. After measuring everything, I was able to:

• identify the major electrical consumers
• notice any leaks (electrical consumption even when appliances are turned off)

After the analysis phase, it was time to take action:

• I replaced every light bulb in my house with a compact fluorescent bulb
• I drastically turned down the temperature in my electric water heater
• I drastically lowered my use of hot water
• I purchased a bio-mass stove and burned corn for heat
• I live with a much lower inside temperature in the winter and a much higher temperature and humidity in the summer
• I turned up the temperature of the refrigerator and freezer to the highest safest level
• I replaced any old high-consumption appliance
• I only purchase low energy usage appliances and equipment
• If an appliance or piece of equipment is not required to be operating, it is turned off

In addition to the above measures, I signed up with Bullfrog Power. This company replenishes the power grid with green power (wind and low-impact water) for every kilowatt hour of power I use.

To make sure I keep on track lowering my electrical usage, I read my power meter every day. Here is a record of my electricity usage.