My family won't participate in energy conservation at home

Depends. Is somebody using it at the time that you turned it off? I just hate it when for example, I step out of the room to get something and my mother turns off the light. Do you know that turning it off and on actually consumes more power than if you leave it on? Try looking at your actions from their point of view. But if they are indeed being wasteful, then just do it.

I tend to be very passionate about recyling and conservation. I find that my own passion tends to rub off on people. My mom has always recycled but when I moved back in with her I started recylcing more. I also talk about things I learn with her. We actually cut are garbage to half a bin a week for the most part. Also making it easier for them is a way to go. I bought a recyling bin for paper for one of my jobs. My other job I put up a recycle bin for empties in the lunch room and would collect the cans every couple of weeks. I also told people to throw in other plastic recyclables. Maybe buy powerbars for them. appliance plugged in suck out energy when they are off. if you plug you appliances into the power bar you can flip off the power bar. Ultimately you can't change their minds. You can only do what you do. Just be more open about why you do it and explain that it is very important to you. Good Luck

Maybe you can explain it to them in terms they can understand - like the added charge to your utility bill because they leave lights and appliances on that they don't use. See if your utility company has a website that helps you itemize your bill. For example, I know that my heating and air conditioning are my most expensive items. I also know that if I did not keep my computers on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, I could save between $300 and $500 a year. The phrase "Think global. Act local." comes to mind. However, I think a lot of people are short-sighted and have to see the immediate, personal benefit first. This way of thinking about the environment extends beyond the home utilities. In my house, I have had to rethink using real plates, silverware and towels instead of paper plates, plastic ware and paper towels. And let us not forget what the styrofoam cups do to the environment. Besides, those things are not cheap! No you are not over-acting.

Hi, This really depends on the circumstances. Other posters have enquired whether it is genuinely wasteful or if its a case that its cheaper to leave a light on for example. It IS actually cheaper and more efficient to leave a light on than to keep switching it on and off, as the power-up drain is higher than the actual light staying on. Also are you an offspring trying to affect change with your parents, or are you a parent trying to influence other family members? Parents are generally more susceptible to facts and figures. Being passionate and hassling people about lights can often be seen as petulant and stroppy, whereas if you can show some genuine research that it would be cheaper to conserve energy, its perceived as a grown-up approach and worth consideration. As a parent it is easiest to secure the support of the partner or eldest child, after this it easier to adapt everyone. This can be done again with facts and figures or as gentle persuasion that its something you care about and would like support with. On the 'showing concern for environment' front, that is not something that can easily be convinced unless they already have an underlying interest in doing so. If you can find a way to show that doing certain things have a greater benefit to the individual than simply the knowledge of helping the environment you will have a better chance. As with many things however, i would never suggest forcing your beliefs on another person, everyone has the right to choose and ultimately forced beliefs often fragment society and cause resentment.

You could be using the wrong approach. Try the financial approach and don't tell them that you are doing it for conservation. Just point out that you could save on the bills if you use less energy.