Energy Conservation
Energy conservation and your environment
By saving energy you can have a fatter bank balance. But more than that,
individual efforts for energy conservation mean cleaner and greener
society as a whole.
Energy conservation means lowering the demands of such fossil fuels as
coal, oil, and natural gas.
Drops in the use of fossil fuels means lower production of pollutants
like carbon dioxide - the deadliest of all greenhouse emissions.
Energy conservation - a necessity, not an option
Did you know Americans as a whole expend a million dollars worth of
energy every minute, night and day, every day of the year!
A little cut in this expenditure and pollutants are lesser by thousands
of pounds!
And on the personal front - you can save a significant dollar amount on
your annual energy bills.
Follow the simple steps described below and make the earth a better
place for your grand children.
AT HOME
Insulate your walls and ceilings for cutting down 20 to 30 percent on
home heating bills. Those living in colder climate should consider super
insulating.
For the same purpose replace the traditional windows with argon filled,
double-glazed windows.
Always use Energy Star certified (high efficiency) appliances for less
energy consumption.
Choose the model size according to your typical needs; don't opt for the
biggest size just because you can afford it.
Be careful about your electrical appliances-don't leave your computer,
sound system etc in stand by mood. Always switch them off after the use.
Consider adding a "smart" power strip to automatically turn off
equipment.
Don't unnecessary set your refrigerator temperature at an extra ordinary
low-set it at a reasonable point. Make sure that its energy saver switch
is turned on. For the same reason, turn down your water heater
thermostat from 140 degrees F to 120 F.
Use such appliances as washing machine or dishwasher at their highest
capacities.
Make sure, you don't overheat or overcool your rooms; always keep the
air filters clean.
Replace your ordinary lighting systems with energy-efficient compact
fluorescent bulbs; they cost more initially, but latter they pay off by
using only 1/4 the energy of ordinary lights.
OUTSIDE
Make use of the public transport system wherever possible, or ride your
bicycle. By saving just a gallon of gasoline, you are helping to avoid
22 pounds of CO2 emissions.
When you are buying a new car, opt for the greener models. The cars
giving better mileage costs more initially, but in the long run they
help you save significantly on your energy bill.
Avoid elevators and use stairs whenever possible.
Reuse the things whenever possible to reduce the necessity of recycling.
Plant shading trees around your home: it works as natural heater or
cooling system.
Finally always stay informed about latest environmental issues-both at
local as well as national level and vote to office the candidates who
generally seem to take a constructive approach toward environmental
protection and energy conservation.
About the author
Tania Penwell provides information on energy conservation and other "green" topics for Green Savvy - your guide to environmental solutions.