Cut it out! And by that we mean energy costs. To celebrate National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, we thought we’d offer some practical advice on how to do so from the comfort of your own home. Enter: rippl rewards founder + CEO Sarah Ganzenmuller (she/her) and head of growth Regan Plekenpol (she/her). Rippl rewards is a next-gen engagement platform that empowers brands to mobilize their customers for good. “From a psychological perspective, one of the most effective ways to inspire wide scale behavior change is creating aligned incentives,” Sarah says. “With that in mind, our software helps brands create an authentic loyalty ecosystem that rewards positive, personal, environmental, and social actions, not just transactions.”

The duo agrees that cutting energy costs not only benefits your wallet, but also plays a crucial role in mitigating environmental degradation, promoting healthier ecosystems, and paving the way for a more sustainable future. The bottom line: The little things we do on a personal level can add up to make a big impact. See how below.

How can we cut our energy costs right at home?
SARAH: The biggest drivers of an energy bill are electric heating and cooling, so investing in a smart thermostat is a gamechanger. They learn your schedule and temperature preferences and suggest the most energy-efficient settings for your home, saving you money and reducing your environmental footprint. If you’re a homeowner, properly insulating and weatherproofing your house can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs as well.

REGAN: The dozens of devices and appliances we plug in are the next biggest culprit. First, upgrade to energy-efficient appliances (think: dishwashers, fridges, microwaves, etc.). Look for the “energy star label” to find devices designed for energy-efficiency to reduce bills and environmental impact. There are a few state or federal energy efficient appliance rebate programs, so check your eligibility! Replacing traditional incandescent light bulbs with LED lights is a strategic move, too, as LEDS use up to 75% less energy and last 25x longer. And finally, power-strips are an unsung hero—many electronics consume power even when they’re turned off or not in use, so using a power strip helps you completely turn off many unused devices at once to prevent “phantom load.”

SARAH: I also want to add that you should check with your energy provider to see if they can equip you with a green energy source. Many green electricity companies offer rebates or incentives for switching over, so keep your eyes peeled for those perks. There are also plenty of solar incentive programs if you’re considering installing solar panels. Similarly, see if your utility company offers “demand response” programs or partners that offer discounts for reducing your energy consumption during peak usage times.

Ok so it def saves us $$$, but how exactly does it help the environment?
SARAH & REGAN: Reducing energy consumption has huge environmental benefits. Doing so:

  • Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Most energy production, especially from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. These gasses are primary contributors to climate change. By using less energy, we reduce these emissions.
  • Decreases Air Pollution: Burning fossil fuels also releases pollutants like nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter into the air, contributing to air pollution and health issues like asthma and heart disease. Energy conservation leads to lower emissions of these harmful pollutants.
  • Conserves Natural Resources: Energy production often involves the consumption of natural resources. For example, coal mining and oil drilling can lead to habitat destruction and water pollution. Using less energy means less demand for these resources, helping to preserve them for future generations.
  • Reduces Water Usage: Energy production, especially in power plants, often requires significant amounts of water for cooling and processing. By reducing energy demand, we also reduce the amount of water that is withdrawn from rivers, lakes, and aquifers, which helps to protect these ecosystems.
  • Minimizes Ecological Impact: Many forms of energy production have direct negative impacts on ecosystems, such as through land use for mining or drilling, or the building of dams for hydroelectric power. Using less energy reduces the need for such activities.
  • Encourages Sustainable Energy Development: Lowering energy demand provides more room and resources for developing and integrating renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, which have a much lower environmental impact compared to fossil fuels.
  • Reduces Waste: Energy conservation often goes hand-in-hand with reducing waste. Ex: Using energy-efficient appliances or light bulbs means they don’t have to be replaced as often, reducing the amount of waste going to landfills.
  • Promotes Biodiversity: Reducing the need for energy production from fossil fuels helps protect habitats and species that would otherwise be threatened by mining, drilling, and other energy-related activities.