With all the modern luxuries we are accustomed to, it’s easy to forget how much energy our machines use. While it’s so much easier to load the dishwasher than hand wash dishes, that simple move will use a big amount of energy. Making small changes to our daily lives can make a big difference, so we’ve compiled three easy ways to make your lifestyle more energy efficient.Do the dishesWhile a dishwasher is a modern luxury, it also drains a large amount of energy. Feel free to use the dishwasher to wash dishes, but how about letting the dishes air dry rather than drying them in the machine? If you are feeling particularly energy efficient, you could wash and dry your dishes completely by hand. Whatever your choice, using less of the dishwasher can reduce your machine’s electricity use by 20.Chill outLower the temperature on your refrigerator. The bulky appliance makes up about 20 of your home’s electricity use. 37 degrees is a great temperature for the fridge, while your freezer should be closer to 3 degrees. Turn on the energy saver switch, make sure that your gaskets (around the doors) are sealed well and are clean, and you’re on your way to conserving energy.Wash on/wash offDon’t always opt for the hot setting when doing laundry. If you choose the cold or warm temperatures for just two loads a week, owners of an electric water heater can save close to 500 pounds of CO2 per year. A gas heater will save 150 pounds.