4 minute read
Saving Household Energy
• Beware of energy vampires! They can suck money right out of your wallet. Plug televisions and computers into power strips and turn them off when not in use.
IN THE KITCHEN
• Remember to dust your fridge to keep it running in tip top condition. Keep those coils clean. Surprisingly, a full freezer uses less energy than an empty one. Fill up any unused space with water in gallon containers.
• Keep your oven door closed while you’re cooking - the temperature can drop by 25°F every time you open the door. And that lost heat is going right into your kitchen causing your air conditioner to work harder. Better yet, grill outdoors!
HARD TO BREAK HABITS
• Today’s dishwashers don’t require you to pre-rinse your dishes. On average, you’ll waste 20 gallons of water per day doing so. Based on our local Manwalamink Water Company rates for water service and sewer service, that’s about $7 per month down the drain.
• Just can’t live without that long, hot shower to de-stress at the end of the day? Purchase a quality, low-flow shower head achieve water saving of 25 – 60 percent! Visit www.energy.gov/ eere/femp/energy-cost-calculator-faucets-and-showerheads to calculate energy costs for faucets and showerheads.
Even during the lazy, hazy days of summer, you can handle a few small changes that can add up to some serious Ka-ching!
Roseanne Bottone is a regulatory compliance training instructor, former Peace Corps Volunteer, cancer survivor, grandmother, MBA, and freelance writer. She travels the country teaching business people about environmental and transportation safety regulations, and is a newspaper columnist. She’s a homeowner in East Stroudsburg and lives with her daughter, grandchildren, two cats and a Rottweiler.
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Entrepreneurial Strategies for Working From Home Successfully
By: Kimberly Blaker
Despite the light at the end of the tunnel from the COVID-19 pandemic now in sight, many companies and individuals will continue to work-from-home until a sufficient percentage of the population is immunized to reach herd immunity. Fortunately, working from home offers many benefits to employers and employees alike, especially with new technology that makes it easier than ever. In fact, a growing number of companies were already heading in the direction of remote work before the coronavirus outbreak. Now, the pandemic may have served as a catalyst to expedite the growth of this trend even after the COVID-19 threat is over.
In addition, countless people have lost their jobs as a direct result of the pandemic. So many are now seeking work-fromhome opportunities through self-employment or side gigs.
While for some, working from home is a dream come true, for others, telecommuting has its drawbacks and is a big adjustment. Many find it challenging to get motivated, struggle with time-management or self-management, productivity, and find it easy to slack off. If you are struggling, the following strategies utilized by many successful entrepreneurs can help you stay on track while working from home.
ASSESS YOUR PERSONAL SITUATION
Everyone's work-from-home situation is different. So think about your situation and individual needs. Some questions to consider are:
> What is your home environment like? > Is it loud or quiet? > Do you have sufficient workspace? > What does working from home look like? > Do you have flexible or structured hours? > Do you work with others through video calls or exclusively by yourself? > How is your work from home measured? > How do you work best? > Do you need structure or flexibility? > Do you work better alone or with others? > Is a commute or transition time necessary to mentally prepare you for work?
After you've thought about your work situation and what you need to be successful, find ways to incorporate what works best for you while working from home.
