Getting Involved in Earth Hour

This Saturday, the 29th of March 2014, there occurs a unique event for one hour that doesn’t usually happen any other time of the year. On that date, millions of people across the plant will switch off their lights to raise awareness for Earth hour.

Beginning in 2007 as a small World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) event, the idea behind it is a simple one. For one hour, between 2030 and 2130, people are encouraged to turn off lights and electrical devices in their houses. Although this hour only represents a small amount of an actual year the purpose behind the movement can still be seen to be a noble one. So noble that Hollywood is getting behind this years event with the stars of "The Amazing Spider-Man 2", Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Jamie Foxx, lending their support to the world wide event.

If you are not a movie star or Spider-Man what can you do at home, not only take part in Earth hour, to help save energy in the long term? We have put together a quick list of some ideas for you.

Freezer

Empty or half full freezers use up more energy than full ones. If necessary, use water bottles to fill up any emptiness.

Lights

Turn off lights when leaving a room if you don’t plan to return. Also 20% of your energy usage can be cut if you turn off appliances rather than leaving them on standby.

Computers

Changing your laptop or computer to energy saving mode can mean a substantial saving as the device will automatically change to a low state of consumption. When finished with your device at night, save all your work and switch it off. This can save you, on average, up to 25% off your annual energy bill.

Chargers

We have chargers for phones, laptops and many other devices. Unplugging or turning them off can cut down on your energy consumption, even minimal, during the course of the year.

Blankets

As with many Irish people, I have an obsession with two things. Using Electric blankets and leaving the immersion on. Both can end up costing more than they are worth, use timers with both and you can still get the end result without all the Irish guilt.

Most of these suggestions are very straight forward and the benefits will be felt by Hour 2015. Although it is only a small gesture you could stand the chance of making some big savings if you look at the long term gains of undertaking some changes during earth hour.

Choosing to cut down on the cost of your home insurance is another way to help you save some money in the long term. At Chill, we work with a number of different home insurers to get you the best deal on your insurance and we’d love to help you save for the future. Call us on 01 4003400 to speak to one of Home Insurance team. Alternatively tweet us using #chillcutsthecost on @chill_insurance or leave a comment on our Facebook page