1

If it’s not in use, turn it off

Image: Chris Haws

We start the list with this well-known advice: turn off the lights when nobody is in the room .

Additionally, switch off appliances completely rather than leaving them on standby, as standby mode continues to consume electricity. Most computers have energy-saving settings that automatically turn off the computer and screen after a period of inactivity.

2

Keep the temperature where you need it

Image: Natalia Y.

Whenever you are heating or cooling a room, remember to close the doors and windows that connect to other unoccupied parts of the building . This way, the heating or cooling equipment you are using will not require more energy than is necessary to maintain the desired temperature where you are.

During cooler months, ensure your curtains or blinds are properly sealed to keep the cold out. In warmer months, keep your curtains closed during the day to prevent heat from entering.

3

Wash and dry clothes once the basket is full

Image: engin akyurt

Avoid using your washing machine when your laundry basket is only half full; instead, use it when you have accumulated a full charge. Also, remember to select the appropriate washing cycle to optimize energy use.

On a related note, clothes dryers consume a significant amount of energy, so consider hanging clothes outside to dry or using a fan to help dry them indoors.

4

Save energy in the kitchen

Image: Jason Briscoe

Your kitchen offers many energy-saving opportunities. The fridge, one of the most energy-intensive appliances, runs 24/7 for obvious reasons but measures can be taken to make it a more efficient device. The ideal fridge temperature for the fridge is between 35° and 38°F. Make sure the door seal is tight, with no gaps or cracks that allow cold air to escape.

As for cooking, always put frozen food in your fridge in the morning to thaw out and reduce cooking time in the evening. Whenever possible, use a microwave, as it consumes significantly less energy than an electric oven. Plan to cook more and have leftover meals for the next day or the week ahead. Keep leftover meals in the freezer for convenience and minimal waste.

5

Smart heating and cooling

Image: Everett Pachmann

It may be tempting to adjust the thermostat a degree or two above or below the recommended settings depending on the season, but there is good reason to avoid doing that. Every degree above 20 can increase your heating bill by up to 10%. In winter, set your thermostat between 18 and 20 degrees. In summer, aim for 26 degrees or higher.

Additionally, some ducted systems allow you to disable heating or cooling in unoccupied rooms, which can help save energy.

6

Use energy-saving LED lights

Image: Anton Belashov

LED lighting has been around for a while and can save up to 80% on lighting costs. LED bulbs consume less power and last longer, which means that users spend less money and time replacing them.

Another perk, LEDs generate very little heat compared to incandescent and halogen bulbs, which convert much of their energy into heat. This can reduce cooling costs, especially in warm climates.

7

Solar energy

Image: Andreas Gücklhorn

The energy given to us by the sun can be harvested in solar panels that reduce the amount of energy we need to buy from the electricity company . Similarly, solar hot water systems can minimize gas usage, reducing reliance on gas-fired water heaters.

Solar panels and solar hot water systems used to be very expensive and had to be replaced much more often but, their costs have dropped significantly in recent years, making them more accessible.

8

TV settings

Image: Jonas Leupe

Today's high-definition televisions use around 60% less energy than earlier models. However, some Internet-ready models consume extra power even when turned off due to a "quick start" feature that enables faster boot-up . You can disable that option in your television's settings .

While perusing through the settings, you can also see if your model has an automatic brightness control, which will adjust the picture brightness to the level of light in the room. This can make a big difference in energy consumption.

9

Efficient appliances

Image: Vlad Zaytsev

Most of today's new appliances use half the energy of those from a couple of decades ago. If you're thinking of buying a new one, look for products with the Energy Star label, as they typically use 10 to 40 percent less energy than other models.

If you are going to buy a new computer, keep in mind that laptops use significantly less energy than desktop versions.

10

Insulate your roof

Image: Erik Mclean

Temperature affects air in different ways: heat rises, while cool air sinks. This means that if a house's roof is not properly insulated, heat will escape in the winter, and the cold from outside will seep in through the roof.

An insulated ceiling can make a big difference to your energy bills . Effective ceiling insulation can save up to 20% on cooling and heating costs.

1

Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia

Image: The Silverdalex

Located in an area already filled with memorials, Arlington National Cemetery stands out as one of the nation’s most sacred landmarks. Established during the Civil War on land confiscated from General Robert E. Lee's estate, it became the final resting place for over 400,000 brave Americans, including casualties from WWII to the Vietnam War.

At its heart lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a continuously guarded monument that symbolizes the sacrifices of all unidentified fallen heroes. Notably, the graves of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy are among the most visited sites in the cemetery.

2

Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C.

Image: Ryan Stone

Popularly known as the Vietnam Memorial, this U.S. national landmark located in Washington, D.C., honors those who served during the Vietnam War. Its centerpiece consists of two imposing black granite walls, engraved with the names of over 58,000 individuals who died or went missing while serving their country in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

Designed by architect Maya Lin, the monument is strikingly powerful in its minimalism, evoking deep emotions through its simplicity. The site also includes the Three Soldiers statue and the Vietnam Women's Memorial.

3

Marine Corps War Memorial, Virginia

Image: Sal Cenicacelaya

Located in Arlington County, Virginia, this war memorial was inspired by the iconic 1945 photograph of six Marines raising the U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Standing 32 feet tall, the monument is an enduring symbol of courage and determination, honoring all Marines who have served since 1775.

Though the sculpture depicts a moment when the U.S. flag had 48 stars, the flag flown today is always the current version, symbolizing the memorial’s dedication to all Marines who have died in defense of the United States, regardless of the era.

4

Air Force Memorial, Virginia

Image: Yogi Panchal

Located near the Marine Corps War Memorial and Arlington Cemetery, this 270-foot-high sculpture features three stainless steel spires reaching toward the sky. It was the final project of American architect James Ingo Freed, renowned for his work with I.M. Pei and his contributions to various iconic U.S. public buildings.

The spires seem to evoke the contrails of a group of Air Force Thunderbirds performing a dramatic flight maneuver. Notably, only three of the typical four contrails are depicted, symbolizing the "missing man" formation traditionally used in Air Force funeral flyovers.

5

World War II Memorial, Washington, D.C.

Image: Joshua Woods

Featuring 56 pillars adorned with bronze laurel wreaths, each symbolizing a U.S. state or territory, this memorial honors the 16 million Americans who served in World War II. It stands as a grand tribute to the "Greatest Generation," celebrating their victories and the sacrifices they made for their country.

Interestingly, the memorial includes two subtle "Kilroy was here" engravings, a nod to the iconic symbol that became a reassuring emblem for American soldiers during the war, marking their presence and protection wherever it appeared.

6

Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C.

Image: Joe Richmond

Dedicated in 1995, this national memorial features a haunting image of nineteen steel statues of soldiers standing in silent patrol. The memorial honors the 1.5 million Americans who served in Korea, a conflict that is sometimes referred to as the "Forgotten War."

A granite memorial wall is also part of the site, engraved with the names of U.S. military personnel and South Koreans embedded in U.S. units who died in the conflict. The monument includes the Pool of Remembrance, a tranquil 30-foot-diameter pool lined with black granite, surrounded by a grove of trees and benches, offering a peaceful place for quiet reflection.

7

National D-Day Memorial, Virginia

Image: Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain

This memorial pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of all service members of the Allied forces on D-Day, June 6, 1944. The site prominently displays the inscription, "In Tribute to the Valor, Fidelity, and Sacrifice of Allied Forces on D-Day." Featuring a symbolic pool with a landing craft, an American soldier, and a German beach barrier, the memorial captures the essence of the immensely dangerous beach landings.

According to the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, the site is designed as a continuum of three distinct plazas, each representing a different phase of the operation—planning, execution, and victory. The centerpiece of the monument is a 44-foot-tall arch, symbolizing the triumph of the operation while surrounding elements evoke the soldiers' bravery under relentless fire.

8

U.S. Navy Memorial, Washington, D.C.

Image: Michael Afonso

The granite plaza of the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., is well known for its iconic Lone Sailor statue, which symbolizes all those who have served in the U.S. Navy throughout its history. The statue, crafted by sculptor Stanley Bleifeld, gazes over the Granite Sea—a map depicting the world's oceans, centered on Washington, D.C.

Flanking the memorial are two buildings, with the eastern one serving as a visitor center. This small museum often offers exhibits that explore the rich history of American sailors.

9

National Museum of the United States Army, Virginia

Image: Rob Martinez

More than just a museum, this site serves as a living memorial dedicated to the history of the U.S. Army. It honors the bravery, valor, and sacrifices of soldiers across America’s history while providing an in-depth exploration of the nation’s oldest and largest military branch.

Opened on November 11, 2020, the museum’s mission is to honor America’s soldiers, preserve Army history, and educate the public about the Army's role in American history. The facility also includes spaces for ceremonies, reenactments, lectures, educational programs, and reunions, making it a dynamic hub for both remembrance and learning.

10

USS Arizona Memorial, Hawaii

Image: Tim Mossholder

This solemn memorial rests above the sunken remains of the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor, a pivotal site in American history. It honors the 1,177 crew members who lost their lives during the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941.

The majestic white structure symbolizes peace and remembrance, while the wall of names reminds us of the individual stories of bravery and sacrifice of those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. A profoundly evocative monument, it stands as a testament to national resilience and unity in the face of adversity.

1

The term "Speakeasy" came from a whispered instruction

Image: Shtefan Lounge

This expression, by now forever associated with the Prohibition Era, came from bartenders quietly warning patrons to "speak easy" when ordering illegal drinks.

It is believed that the phrase was already in use in 1800s saloons, but it took off during Prohibition. Hidden behind trapdoors or fake businesses, these secret bars required passwords or knocks to enter.

2

Prohibition sparked the rise of NASCAR

Image: Caleb Woods

Southern moonshiners during Prohibition needed to move whiskey fast. To evade federal agents, they needed to modify cars for speed and for driving through uneven terrains under the cover of the night.

What do you do with that peculiar set of skills when the Prohibition ends, then? Many of these trained drivers began racing each other for fun , and eventually for prizes. These informal competitions laid the groundwork for stock car racing, and in 1948, NASCAR was officially founded.

3

Grape bricks were a legal alternative

Image: Keegan Houser

Though commercial winemaking was banned, winemakers adapted quickly by selling "grape concentrate bricks" legally.

They were dense blocks that came with a cheeky warning: "Do not dissolve in water , add yeast, and let sit for 21 days, or it may ferment into wine." Of course, that’s exactly what people did.

4

Al Capone opened a soup kitchen

Image: Drew Gilliam

During the Great Depression, mob boss Al Capone operated a soup kitchen in Chicago, serving thousands of unemployed individuals .

The sign outside read "Free Soup, Coffee & Doughnuts for the Unemployed." It was certainly a clever PR move that helped soften his infamous image, even as he profited from illegal booze and violence.

5

There was a "whiskey prescription" loophole

Image: Anastasia Zhenina

While Prohibition outlawed alcohol sales, there was one major exception: whiskey prescribed by a doctor. The government allowed the writing of prescriptions for " medicinal liquor ," so millions were written. Patients could pick up their booze at a local pharmacy, usually in a clearly labeled bottle: "For Medicinal Use Only."

6

"Mountain Dew" meant Moonshine

Image: Josh McLain

Long before it was a neon-green soda, "mountain dew" was slang for homemade whiskey . The term already appeared in folk songs of the Appalachian region back in the 19th century, and it became especially popular during Prohibition, as illegal distilling became widespread.

In the 1940s, the creators of the soft drink Mountain Dew originally formulated it as a mixer for whiskey. The name was a wink after the bootlegging culture it came from.

7

Women were on both sides of the front lines

Image: Agustina Tolosa

Fierce women activists led the temperance movement, yes. For example, Carrie Nation famously stormed saloons with a hatchet. But many women also thrived in the world of illegal liquor.

Some saw Prohibition as an opportunity and became successful bootleggers, smugglers, and speakeasy owners. One of the most famous was Gertrude "Cleo" Lythgoe, nicknamed "The Queen of the Bahamas," who smuggled high-end liquor from Nassau to the U.S. East Coast and built a fortune.

8

Toothpaste and hair tonics were alcoholic

Image: Chelms Varthoumlien

With liquor banned, some people turned to unlikely products to get drunk. Items like bay rum aftershave, vanilla extract, hair tonics, and even toothache drops were legally sold and packed with high-proof alcohol. Desperate drinkers downed them despite the awful taste and potential health risks.

In New York City alone, an estimated 150,000 gallons of bay rum were consumed for intoxication in a single year.

9

Bootlegging funded jazz and nightlife

Image: cottonbro studio

Prohibition did help launch a cultural revolution . Speakeasies became centers of nightlife and music, and in places like Harlem, they gave rise to the Harlem Renaissance. Jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday got their start playing in these clubs.

10

New York’s mayor toasted the end with a beer… on air

Image: Muhammed ÖÇAL

When the 21st Amendment officially ended Prohibition on December 5, 1933, New Yorkers celebrated with flair. So did their mayor. Fiorello La Guardia, a vocal critic of the alcohol ban , marked the occasion by cracking open a beer during a press conference and drinking it on live radio.

La Guardia had long argued that Prohibition bred crime and disrespect for the law, so this on-air symbolic gesture made sense and marked the beginning of instant change.

11

Some states didn’t ratify the end until the 21st century

Image: Chris Hardy

Though the 21st Amendment repealed Prohibition in 1933, some states and counties held out for decades . Mississippi didn’t officially end state Prohibition laws until 1966; that’s 33 years after the national repeal. Kansas, meanwhile, banned public bars until 1987.

Even today, Prohibition echoes remain. Several U.S. counties are still "dry," meaning alcohol sales are restricted or banned outright.