The Green Zone Homework New Year got you thinking? Interested in implementing some more resource-saving practices in your daily life? There are actually a variety of simple steps you can do at home to lessen your impact—and you won’t even feel the difference.
Each compact fluorescent you use Replace your regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent ones. They last six to 10 years, and their efficiency will save you approximately $30 to $35 per year in energy costs per bulb. Got concerns about the mercury content of fluorescent bulbs? Check out these statistics. Pick up a programmable thermostat and a timer for your furnace and hot-water heater. They’re easy to install and will turn off your systems when they’re not in use and kick them back on when you need them. Need new appliances or lighting? Get those with the Energy Star rating. The standard was developed by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, which researched thousands of products that conserve 30 to 75 percent more electricity than older models. In 2006 alone U.S. consumers saved the equivalent of $14 billion on utility bills and avoided the amount of pollution from approximately 25 million cars by purchasing Energy Star products. Go to www.energystar.gov for more information. Many utility companies offer alternative energy sources. You may have to pay a little more each month, but you’ll know that your coffee was brewed using wind credits, even if you live in the middle of a city. —Jodi Kopke
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
