According to a survey conducted by the Environics Research Group for the Ontario Power Authority, women are greener than men when it comes to electricity conservation.
The survey was conducted to see how Ontarians view energy conservation and what would speak to them in terms of motivating them to conserve.
Below are some excerpts of the findings, as well as the categories Ontarians fall under, when it comes to energy conservation.
When it comes to energy conservation, it seems like it's a case of idealistic and economical women versus practical and disinterested men in a revealing portrait of why and how Ontarians save electricity.
The survey shows that seven out of 10 Green Champions (the most idealistic conservers) are women. Green Champions comprise almost a quarter of the population (23 per cent).
Green Champions care deeply about conservation/sustainability for its own sake. These individuals have a high sense of social responsibility, the lowest tolerance for pollution, are optimistic about change and are willing to spend, do and learn more to make their homes and lifestyles more sustainable.
Pragmatic Conservers are predominantly men and will take every day measures but not make sacrifices. However, they support conservation for its own sake or for the greater good. They're also typically between the ages 26 and 45 and are more affluent. Pragmatic conservers account for 31 per cent of the population.
Budget-Driven conservers are motivated by short-term financial concerns and see sustainability as a means to an end. They tend to be under 25 and older than 65, have the lowest incomes and educational levels. This is the largest category at 34 per cent of the population and is also typically female.
The Live for Today group is composed of individuals at the opposite ends of the age spectrum. They're not "anti-conservation" but they aren't prepared to make an effort because they don't deem it to be effective.
If you want to aspire to be a Green Champion, here are some tips from the Ontario Power Authority that can be implemented in the home, workplace and schools to help you be the most efficient energy conservationist:
At home
* Instead of using your oven to re-heat your food, use a toaster or microwave oven.
* Install a programmable thermostat. A properly set programmable thermostat can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 10 per cent. In the summer set your central air conditioner for 25 C when you are home and 28 C when you are away. In the winter set your thermostat at 20 C when you are home and 18 C when sleeping or away.
* Turn your air conditioner up whenever possible to help reduce the strain on the electricity system during peak demand periods (noon to 8 p.m.).
* Service your central air system annually.
* Whenever possible, use your appliances after 8 p.m., when electricity usage is not at its peak.
* Run the dishwasher only when it's full.
* Close your refrigerator door on a $5 bill or piece of paper. If you can pull it out easily, you may need to replace the door gasket. Tight sealing gaskets keep cold air in and lower energy costs.
* Do laundry only when you have a full load.
* Replace your high-use incandescent light bulbs with Energy Star qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs. They use up to 75 per cent less electricity and last up to 10 times longer. Important note on disposal of CFLs: CFLs contain small amounts of mercury. The Ontario Power Authority encourages you to dispose of your used bulbs in an environmentally friendly manner. Contact your local municipality for proper disposal.
* Whenever you leave a room, get into the habit of turning off the lights.
* Motion sensors are ideal for rooms where you may forget to turn off the lights.
* Maximize the amount of natural daylight.
* Install dimmer switches and use dimmable CFLs.
* Install programmable timers or motion sensors on interior and exterior lights.
* Maintain your heating and central air conditioning year round. A properly running furnace and air conditioner will save energy.
* Clean or replace furnace filters monthly.
* Shade south- and west-facing windows with awnings, solar screens, reflective window film or leaf-bearing trees.
* Rinse dishes in a tub of clean water instead of under hot running water.
At work
* Make an action-oriented announcement during Energy Conservation Week. Openly commit your organization to specific measures; explain their benefits.
* Appoint your own organizational energy conservation officer. Work with your local electricity supplier to identify wasteful use and conservation options.
* Find a qualified energy savings consultant. Commit to an audit of your enterprise or undertake one. Make the recommended changes. The savings can be redeployed.
* Talk to your company about raising the office temperature by two degrees. Most people won't notice the temperature change, but you'll significantly reduce your company's energy consumption.
* Ensure all equipment (monitor, printer, speakers) is shut off at the end the day.
* Ghost bust those phantom loads. Sometimes referred to as standby power, phantom load is electricity consumed by electronic devices even when turned off, such as TVs, phone chargers, DVDs, VCRs and coffeemakers with clocks and timers. Use a power bar with an integrated timer to shut off all your devices at the end of the day or unplug your electronics when you're away from home for an extended period of time.
* Turn off your computers and any other office equipment when you're not using them. This practice costs nothing and can deliver significant energy and money savings.
*Be sure to always turn the equipment and lights off after hours.
* Unplug coffeemakers, toasters and microwaves before shutting the office down for the holidays
* Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
* Dress comfortably for the weather. Adjust your layers before adjusting the thermostat.
* Check the temperature of your staff fridge. Your fridge should be cold, but you shouldn't be freezing food in your fridge. Upgrade to Energy Star qualified appliances.
* Ensure office equipment operates at peak efficiency: filters are clean and air hoses aren't leaking. Schedule or keep a maintenance appointment for your machinery.
* If your organization has undertaken significant energy conservation measures, it may be eligible for a certificate of recognition from Ontario's chief energy conservation officer.
Visit www.conservationbureau.on.ca for details.
At school
* Make an action-oriented announcement during Energy Conservation Week.
* Make energy conservation "visible" by committing your school to specific measures and explaining their benefits.
* Turn the lights out in the gym, auditorium or classrooms when they are not in use.
* Appoint your own energy conservation officer within the school. Work with your local electricity supplier to identify wasteful use and conservation options.
* Find a qualified energy savings consultant and commit to an audit of your school or undertake one. Make the recommended changes.
* Buy/install energy-efficient products: compact fluorescent light bulbs and T8 tubes, power bars with on/off switches or integrated timers, motion sensors.
* Ensure school equipment operates at peak efficiency: filters are clean, air hoses aren't leaking. Schedule or keep a maintenance appointment for your machinery.
* If your school has undertaken significant energy conservation measures, it may be eligible for a certificate of recognition from Ontario's chief energy conservation officer.
Visit www.conservationbureau.on.ca/ for details.