LIVING
Almost every action we take in our day-to-day life has some impact upon the environment. Many things can be done to lessen that negative impact. A good first step is to check out the website www.climatecrisis.org and follow their “Take Action” link. There, you will be able to calculate the carbon impact of your lifestyle. From there, you can use the tools below to find actions that you can take to help the environment! |
A Checklist For Energy Conservation and Awareness
- Replace light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLS) - now.
- Replace home appliances, doors and windows with Energy Star rated products.
- Add attic and wall insulation where needed.
- “Seal the building envelope” – doors, windows, electrical outlets, light fixtures, etc.
- Add a timer to electric hot water heaters to allow control during times of need.
- Insulate the water heater and piping.
- Add a programmable thermostat to heating/air conditioning systems.
- Get an annual tune-up for heating/AC systems.
- Change filters regularly in forced air system.
- Shut off power to computer systems when not in use.
- Clean your oven the old-fashioned way.
- Install (and use) a clothes line.
- Fix dripping faucets/running toilets.
- Set home thermostats to save energy.
- Recycle!
- Run ceiling fans in the winter too – reverse the rotation.
- During the winter: allow sun in. During the summer: shade it out.
- Use timers/motion sensors for lighting controls where possible.
- If replacement becomes necessary, install a heating/AC system with the highest available SEER (steady state energy efficiency ratio) factor.
- Keep cars tuned, tires at proper inflation pressures and use AC sparingly (Defrost too!).
- Walk, bike, or use public transportation when possible.
- Consolidate trips or carpool when possible.
- Buy an efficient new car.
- Learn or re-learn how to drive a manual shift and if you are not buying a hybrid – buy a manual shift car.
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Buy local.
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Buy energy from non-carbon sources (wind, solar, geothermal).
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Advocate Green standards for buildings in your community.
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Get involved with local government decision making.
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Advocate energy awareness.
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Advocate technology transformation.
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Lead by example: teach your children and grandchildren.
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Leave hyperbole at home.
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