energy soapbox

The biggest thing we as citizens can do to reduce our energy consumption is to use less energy. This means less electricity, gas, and automobile fuel. This does not necessarily mean sacrifice.

Around your home:

• Turn off lights. It’s easy to forget to turn off a light when it’s not in use. Be alert and save on your electricity bill, to boot.
• Use energy-efficient light bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs produce the same or more light for less energy and last longer (years instead of months). This means more light, lower electric bills, and less waste. These bulbs often look like coiled tubes, but they are also made in standard round-bulb form.
• Use a programmable thermostat. These can save you tons. Don’t believe me? The Energy Department says so! Set your thermostat for your highest comfortable temperature when you’re around and higher still (or off) when you’re not. Sean has his set to 78-80degF when I’m home and 85degF when he’s out.
• Check your appliances. Turn your refrigerator and freezer down. Lower the temperature of your water heater. Run your dishwasher without a heated dry, if possible. Wash your clothes in cold water. All these things save energy and may not be missed.

In the car:

• Ride your bike or walk. These methods use no gas, emit no greenhouse gases, and are good for you! Consider riding or walking short distances, like to the store or to work. A short bicycle commute in the morning doesn’t take very long and is a great way to start your morning!
• Drive conservatively. Aggressive driving (rapid acceleration, braking, etc.) kills your gas mileage. The See what the DOE and EPA have to say…. Own a hybrid? Try the Pulse and Glide.
• Maintain your vehicle. Check your tire air pressure, your air filter, and your oil. A well-maintained car gets better gas mileage.
• Get the junk out of the trunk! Added weight means less gas mileage. It really does add up.

In the office:

• Turn off lights! This is a no-brainer.
• Set your computer to sleep when not in use. If you’re not using your computer, why have it draw power as if you were? Set your monitor to sleep after 10 minutes, and the computer itself after 30. On the Mac, see Energy Saver panel in System Preferences. On Windows, see these helpful tips from Microsoft.

Advocacy:

• Tell your neighbors. Get them more energy efficient. Help them save money. They’ll thank you.
• Call or Write your Energy Company. Ask them how much of their power mix is from green or renewable sources. Ask them what they’re doing to make more of their power come from renewable sources.
• Write your member of congress and VOTE. Your voice is heard through your vote. Tell your congressman that you want action and vote for someone else if they don’t. If all else fails, run for congress.
• Walk the Walk.  To show by example is perhaps one of the strongest ways to get others actively involved.  Be passionate and interested in reducing your energy footprint, and others will be too!