In the ‘tis better to light a candle than curse the dark frame of mind, I thought I should temper my tirades. Complaining is easy. Taking action is where it all matters. So don’t just sit there at your computer… do something. And here are some great somethings, prepared by the Global and Regional Air and Energy Program, Environmental Defense.
And before you start saying, "Household changes have no effect, it’s big businesses that need to change” you’re only half right. Right now the U.S. releases about 40,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per person each year. If we can reduce energy use enough to lower greenhouse gas emissions by about 2% a year, in ten years we will "lose" about 7000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per person.
So make some changes:
HOME APPLIANCESRun your dishwasher only with a full load. Use the energy-saving setting to dry the dishes. Don't use heat when drying.
Wash clothes in warm or cold water, not hot.
Turn down your water heater thermostat; 120 degrees is usually hot enough.
HOME HEATING AND COOLING
Don't overheat or overcool rooms. Adjust your thermostat (lower in winter, higher in summer).
Clean or replace air filters as recommended. Cleaning a dirty air conditioner filter can save 5% of the energy used.
SMALL INVESTMENTS THAT PAY OFFBuy energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs for your most-used lights.
Wrap your water heater in an insulating jacket (but only if the water heater is over 5 years old and has no internal insulation).
Install low-flow shower heads to use less hot water.
Caulk and weatherstrip around doors and windows to plug air leaks.
Ask your utility company for a home energy audit to find out where your home is poorly insulated or energy-inefficient.
GETTING AROUND
Whenever possible, walk, bike, carpool or use mass transit.
When you buy a car, choose one that gets good gas mileage.
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
Reduce waste: Buy minimally packaged goods; choose reusable products over disposable ones; recycle.
If your car has an air conditioner, make sure its coolant is recycled whenever you have it serviced.
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Insulate your walls and ceilings; this can save about 25% of home heating bills.
If you need to replace your windows, install the best energy-saving models.
Plant trees next to your home and paint your home a light color if you live in a warm climate, or a dark color in a cold climate.
As you replace home appliances, select the most energy-efficient models.
SCHOOLS, BUSINESS, AND COMMUNITIESReduce waste and promote energy-efficient measures at your school or workplace.
Work in your community to set up recycling programs.
Flex your political muscle! Be informed about environmental issues. Keep track of candidates' voting records and write or call to express concerns.
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