Energy Saving, Carbon Reducing & Water Conservation Tips
Creating a balanced living/working environment includes conserving the external environment. At this time our planet is in need of help environmentally, economically and consciously. Positive improvements can be made as each one of us makes simple changes in our lifestyle to reduce our daily energy consumption, personal carbon footprints and water usage. Let's leave the planet better than we found it!
All conservation efforts help to preserve the environment for today and tomorrow, plus, save us money now on electric/gas, water, gasoline and personal spending. Act responsibly and save money!
The time is now for humanity as a "collective will" to take the state of our environment seriously and act urgently to become aware and committed to change. We all are responsible for what is happening to the environment and we can each do our part by simply adopting new habits. As each one of us takes responsibility for what we use and cut back when possible, these small changes in our everyday life can make a significant difference overall. It's all good.
Let's talk carbon...
The carbon dioxide levels in the earth's atmosphere are at an all time high. The result is a warming effect on the planet, known as global warming. Currently, the rainforest and the arctic regions are quickly deteriorating, hurricanes, droughts and heat waves are upon us, and more and more we will render the effects in our daily lives.
What causes carbon dioxide to be emitted into the atmosphere?
- Cars, trucks and vehicles
- Appliances (plugged in)
- Trash/waste
- Industrial factories and plants
"Global Warming: What You Need to Know by Tom Brokaw" shown on the Discovery Channel, indicates that the US emits 25% of the world's pollution and carbon dioxide. This documentary suggests that as soon as in the next 50 years the melting of the artic glaciers has the vast potential to cause major tragedies. Polar bears, walruses and other artic species are in grave danger of extinction today and as large portions of artic ice continue to melt, oceans have the potential to rise and wipe out large US cities, such as NY, Boston, DC, Miami and cities all over the world. Severe heat, droughts and drastic weather conditions can become more prevalent.
Use less water... pay attention to how much water you and your family are using.
Ok, do you let the water run while you are brushing your teeth? How about those extra long showers or water usage in the kitchen? Water conservation is important because what we save today will help save money and resources for the future. Just because there is ample water now doesn't mean that we need to use it lavishly. Save money on water bills and on electric bills by using less power to heat the water.
It takes a lot of energy and financial resources to supply, treat and restore the water in our communities. Communities that use less water can lower bills and improve the water situation in that area, plus endure less overall toll on the environment. Visit: http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/health/watertap/ch4.htm
A leaky faucet in Feng Shui can be seen as negative, draining energy. From an environmental and financial standpoint, a faucet that drips one drop a second can add up quickly. According to the Alberta Online Encyclopedia, "One drop per second can amount to 6.5 gallons per day and more than 2,373 gallons per year. That is enough water to wash more than 65 loads of clothing; take 140 five-minute showers, or wash 40 cars. Visit: http://www.abheritage.ca/abnature/environmental/water_conservation_need.htm
Water Conservation: Stop letting the water just run & run!
- Turn off faucet while brushing teeth, in between washing dishes & hands
- Take shorter showers or only run the water for washing & rinsing
- Monitor water usage in household - pay attention to when the water is running while you are using it and turn it off when you don't need it
Personal Usage - What can I do???
- Adopt new habits to reduce excessive usage and consumption at home and work.
- Explain the urgency and share useful tips with friends and family.
- Express the need for change at your workplace.
Car & Travel- Buy the smallest vehicle that suits your needs
- Consolidate shopping trips and daily outings
- Buy hybrid cars that use less fuel
- Keep proper air levels in tires for better gas mileage
- Give your car a day off: telecommute, carpool and incorporate pedestrian lifestyle
- Eliminate unnecessary trips and travel - car, plane, ships
- Use public transportation when possible
- Ask local government to make reducing carbon emission a priority by building urban dwelling areas for pedestrian lifestyle and providing low-emission public transportation vehicles
Appliances
- Unplug appliances when not in use = TV, DVD, VCR, stereos, computer, printer, hairdryer - yes, unplug and then plug back in for use only - this helps considerably lower the carbon footprint
- Turn off excess lights. Use only the amount of lights necessary for the area spending time in
- Switch light bulbs to long-lasting fluorescents
- Turn up/down temperature in home/work by 2-3 degrees in summer/winter
- Use appliances with lower energy usage
- Eat local produce
- Stop buying what you don't really need
- Recycle bottles, cans, newspaper and other recyclable trash
- Use cloth napkins and towels instead of paper products (less trash)
- Caulk windows and doors to keep heat/air inside
- Pull shades closed to keep hot sunshine out in summer time
- Plant trees because they produce the oxygen that balances the carbon dioxide
- Use "green" building materials: solar panels, recycled products, sustainable wood
- Add quality insulation to building structures
Food & Consumerism
Materials
Act responsibly and save money!
