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Energy Conservation: What Can You Do to Help?Renewable energy is important and conservation is another big part of the equation. There are many things that anyone can do to help - it all boils down to little things that add up to big savings on the utility bill and the environment.How big is your carbon footprint? This is a good place to start. Do you know how much greenhouse gas your household emits? Calculate your impact at www.epa.gov/climate. Think efficiency when replacing items. Can't afford to purchase a new, energy efficient home? No problem, start small. When you need to replace your appliances, electronics, windows, or anything else get an Energy Star model. Learn more about Energy Star at www.energystar.gov.  How bright are you? Just switching out your regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs could save up to $60 per year in energy costs. The bulbs are brighter and last a lot longer than regular bulbs. If every US household replaced its five most frequently used bulbs the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions would be equal to taking 8 million cars off the road.
 Do you have a dripping faucet? Did you know that a faucet that leaks 60 drops per minute can add up to 192 gallons per month? A hot water drip at this rate would waste as much energy as a 40 watt light left on continuously. Get it fixed and learn how to drip-proof your home at www.h2ouse.org.
How hot is your water? Keep your water heater at 120 degrees and feel good about conserving energy. Want to do more? Make your shower a little bit shorter, turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth or shaving. Use a water-conserving shower head with a built-in switch. Plant your yard with native foliage that will not use excessive water and use a drip hose to water your outdoor plants. 
What do you do with your used cereal boxes and pop cans? What do you do with your used cereal boxes and pop cans? Did you know that if 60% of the US population recycled it could save the equivalent of 215 million barrels of oil each year? Reduce, reuse, recycle and finish the circle by buy things made of recycled materials. Learn how to properly recycle at www.earth911.org.  How green is your energy? Find out if energy from renewable sources is available in your area at www.eere.energy.gov/greenpower. Consider installing solar panels and you don't have to pay big bucks to get them either. Check out www.jointhesolution.com/getenergy.
Do you drive in the green lane? When you are ready to buy a new vehicle, upgrade to a hybrid or one that can run on biodiesel, a fuel cell or another type of renewable energy. Until you are ready to buy use the tips at fueleconomy.gov to lower your gasoline consumption. Consider taking public transportation or car-pooling. Can't give up your gas guzzling SUV? Ease your conscience by donating to an eco-friendly project, like Energy Aware Organization.  Could you be getting better fuel economy? Make sure your tires are fully inflated to the recommended pressure, check and change your air filter regularly, drive calmly without sudden acceleration and slowing, get a vehicle tune up regularly and use Ferox Fuel Tabs, these tabs alone could give you up to 20% better gas mileage, with lower emissions. Walk or bike when you can, this is not only good for the environment, it is great for your health!
Too much junk mail? Contact the companies you deal with who send you junk mail directly and ask to be taken off their mailing list. To keep your name of future mailing lists see www.dmaconsumers.org. Just by cutting down on your junk mail you can feel great about saving energy, trees, water, and greenhouse gas emissions. Also, most banks, utilities, and other companies offer paperless statements, just check your email and send a payment online. As always, if you do get junk mail make sure it gets into the recycling bin.  What can you eat in your city? Keep it local when buying food. Most food travels at least 1,200 miles before it gets to your plate. If you buy local you save on fuel costs to ship food, you can get fresher, tastier food. Check out your local farmers market and support your local economy and farmers by purchasing home-grown, local goodies. www.localharvest.org provides a list of farmers markets in your area.
Share your knowledge. Tell family and friends about how they can take care of our earth. Attend, set up, even become a presenter at lectures about green living and the need for renewable energy. Contact us if you want more information on setting up an energy event. |
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