Save Energy.
It's easier than ever, and can make a huge difference.
Here's the painful truth: The single biggest producer of greenhouse gases
is not heavy industry. It's our homes. Homes use about half the energy of
the country.
Electricity is the first place to look for inefficiencies. So much energy
is wasted in generating, transmitting and then using electricity that it delivers
only one quarter of the energy in the original fuel. Experts have calculated
what an individual's or a family's 'fair share' of CO2-emissions might be.
Based on the total world population and the overall use of energy of all kinds
(for industry, heating, cooking, travel and so on), each individual is entitled
to generate just 2.3 tons of CO2 a year.
Currently, we make on average about six times that, or 12.6 tons of CO2 per
family unit per year. So here's a quick top ten list within our bigger top
ten list of how to save electricity, among other things:
1. Replace your regular Christmas lights with LEDs. And your regular lights
with compact
fluorescents.
2. Don't use electrical appliances for things you can easily do by hand, such
as opening cans.
3. Use cold water in the washer whenever possible. It usually works fine.
4. Take unwanted, re-usable items to a charitable organization or thrift shop.
You will feel great.
5. Install a low
flow shower head.
6. When you're brushing your teeth, don't leave the water running.
7. Turn your heat down. Wear a sweatshirt. Cuddle.
8. Turn off the lights, TV, or other electrical appliances when you are out
of a room. It's a habit.
9. Flush the toilet less often. If it's a wee little pee, wait.
10. Turn down the heat and turn off the water heater before you leave for
that vacation we asked you not to go on.
[ Next: Number 6 ]
