Conserve Energy to save our Environment –

Conserve Energy to save our Environment – Few suggestions:

As discussed earlier, because of the limited amount of non-renewable energy sources on Earth, it is important to conserve our current supply or to use renewable sources so that our natural resources will be available for future generations. Energy conservation is also important because consumption of nonrenewable sources impacts the environment. Specifically, our use of fossil fuels contributes to air and water pollution.

We can help solve these global problems by co-operating among us. Every unit (or kilowatt) of electricity conserved reduces the environmental impact of energy use.

The following concepts can help you evaluate your household energy use and identify ways to conserve energy. These concepts will significantly reduce family utility bill and other energy costs.

* Changing what we use:

(a) Walk, use bicycle, or use mass transit instead of driving; automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of air pollution in our cities.

(b) Install compact fluorescent light bulbs that use less energy and last 10 times longer than incandescent light bulbs.

(c) Air-dry your clothes on a laundry line instead of using a clothes dryer.

(d) Install a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature when you are in bed or away.

(e) Buy energy-efficient appliances. There are standard energy use tags attached to most new appliances that can help you determine which appliance will be the most efficient. These appliances may be more costly, but your utility bill savings will quickly make up for the extra cost.

* Changing what we do:

(a) Set the thermostat to 68 °F in winter when you're home and down to 55° F when you go to bed or are away (programmable thermostats can do this automatically).

(b) Insulate the ceiling, walls, and floor of your home.

(c) Plant trees next to a window for shade to reduce the need for air conditioning.

(d) Recycle items such as newspaper, aluminum cans, and plastic bottles; recycling these items requires less energy than producing them from brand new, raw materials.

(e) Wash clothes in cold water and only in full loads.

(f) Use energy-saving settings on washing machines, dishwashers, and clothes dryers.

* Improving our housekeeping:

(a) Turn down the water heater thermostat to 120° F.

(b) Turn off lights when leaving a room.

(c) Close heating vents and close doors to unused rooms.

(d) Close drapes and windows during sunny summer days and after sunset in cooler weather.

(e) Stop air leaks around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping. Air leaks can rob your house of heat in the winter or make it too humid in the summer. As much as 40 percent of your heating and cooling costs can be due to air leaks.

(f) Clean or change air filters on your air heating system in the winter and on air conditioning units in the summer so that they work more efficiently.

* Educating ourselves and others:

(a) Share knowledge and ideas with family, friends, and neighbors.