This Wednesday, like every March 5th, the **World Day of [Energy Efficiency](https://noticiasambientales.com/energia/generacion-de-energia-limpia-a-partir-de-cascaras-de-pomelo/)** is celebrated. It is an opportunity to raise awareness and remind society of the importance of using energy wisely.
This initiative emerged in the context of the first International Conference on Energy Efficiency held in Austria in **1998**. There, more than 350 experts and leaders from **50 countries discussed the energy crisis** and how the proper use of energy could combat it.
## World Day of Energy Efficiency: how much do we waste
One of the commitments of the European Commission and the United Nations is to raise awareness about the need to protect the environment and the economy by using energy **rationally**.
In this context, it is essential to look at the waste we generate in our homes, even unintentionally.
Greenpeace has denounced on several occasions the poor thermal insulation of homes, a problem that increases energy consumption, raises bills, and contributes to [global warming](https://noticiasambientales.com/ciencia/el-calentamiento-global-hace-que-las-precipitaciones-sean-mas-impredecibles/) and **geopolitical and economic conflicts and instability**.
The organization calls for a tenfold increase in the rate of housing rehabilitation to meet the commitments of the **Paris Agreement** and limit global warming to 1.5°C.
The environmental organization already denounced on February 19, on the occasion of the Week Against Energy Poverty, the energy waste of houses with thermal imaging.
## How to reduce energy expenditure at home
 How to reduce energy expenditure.
To reduce energy expenditure at home, you can take concrete steps:
– **Unplug devices**: disconnect appliances you are not using, even in standby mode.
– **Turn off lights**: those you are not using.
– **Regulate the temperature**: adjust the water heater and thermostat temperature.
– **Take short showers**: avoid spending more than 10 minutes in the shower.
– **Close windows and doors**: prevent energy waste in heating or cooling.
– **Use LED bulbs**: LED bulbs consume less than halogen ones.
– **Install a programmable thermostat**: save money by automatically lowering the temperature when you are not at home.
– **Ventilate**: take advantage of natural light.
– **Choose efficient appliances**: use the microwave to heat food, but not to thaw it.
– **Wash with cold water**: reduce energy consumption by washing clothes with cold water.
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