I am so behind and I apologize. I know you all were anxiously awaiting the next steps in how you can decrease your footprint on the planet. It is a hot issue that concerns me and I am sure it concerns others. So without further ado here are some other ways to make a lighter print on your Ole’ Earth.
Shelter and Utilities
Did you know that about a third of your household’s energy goes to drying your clothes? Heating a house is responsible for nearly 10 per cent of a person’s total carbon emissions. Up to 15% of your energy bills go to keeping your milk cold and your ice frozen. A fridge with the Energy Star label uses 40% less energy than conventional models sold in 2001. Were you aware that laptops use much less power than desktop models? The typical laptop draws about 30 watts of electricity while bulkier desktop models use about 120 watts.
*Note: Please don’t tell people that Jenni said to buy a laptop for Lent.
Below are a few ideas for how to reduce your carbon emissions through your home. Once again pick a minimum of two. If you are already doing most of these things, pat yourself on the back but see if you can stretch yourself to reduce even more for the remainder of Lent. Don’t forget to keep up the good work with your transportation habits!
1. Turn off all appliances, or pull out the plug when not in use. The easiest thing is to use power strips for multiple appliances and flick the switch when they are not in use. Even when electronics are off, they are still pulling energy if they are still plugged in.
2. Own fewer devices. Buy less electronics. Don’t zone out in front of the TV. In fact, consider cutting your viewing significantly during this time.
3. Consider buying or borrowing a device that tells you exactly how much electricity the house is using every second. Many libraries now have Kill-a-Watts that can be checked out like books.
4. Generate light, not heat, using energy-efficient lightbulbs such as CFLs. These use 3/4 less energy than standard lighting and last up to 10 times longer. So despite their higher up-front cost, they yield lifetime savings of up to $50 per bulb.
5. Hang your clothes to dry – outside in the warm weather, inside during the winter. IKEA and most hardware stores sell inexpensive indoor drying racks. If you need to use the dryer, consider wool dryer balls to help soften clothes and reduce drying time.
6. Wash your clothing in cold water and wash with a full load.
7. Use beeswax or soy candles. Any other candle is made from paraffin – a petroleum product- and does not burn cleanly. Artificially scented candles are one of the biggest sources of indoor air pollution in homes.
8. Use a programmable thermostat and turn down the heat when you are not at home.
9. Consider how low you are willing to reduce your home’s temperature. A 1 degree reduction can decrease fuel needs by as much as 15 %. I grew up wearing sweaters and heavy socks in our house. It builds character.
10. Consider replacing your furnace if it is more than 20 years old. Make sure to change/clean filters regularly.
11. If you have an old fridge or freezer in the basement or garage, consider getting rid of it. They’re often power leaches. If you really do use your extra freezer, make sure it is full as this makes it more efficient. Alternatively, keep you refrigerator clear of all of those science experiments. Good air-flow in the fridge keeps it at its most efficient.
12. Consider switching to a utility company that runs alternative energy such solar and wind.
13. If you can afford it, install your own solar panels or wind turbine. Go off-grid.
Keep up the good work!! And feel free to send Jenni any of your ideas for ways to further reduce carbon emissions from your home. Mine was a short list aimed at motivating those just beginning to understand their footprint on our Earth and some simple ways to start being a bit greener.
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This is a GREAT post! Thanks for the info!