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Things you can do to save energy |
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Most modern laundry detergents are designed to work in both cold and hot water. Hot water is generally necessary only for heavily stained clothes. Approximately 90 percent of the energy involved in washing clothes by machine goes to heating water, not in running the machine. Switch to an energy-efficient front-loading machine. Use a clothes line Recover one of the lost joys of simplicity while lightening your ecological footprint by using free, pollution-free sunlight and fresh air to dry your laundered clothes. During rainy weather it's possible in many cases to set up an indoor clothes line or drying rack that can be collapsed when it's not needed. Hanging clothes takes only slightly more time than using an automatic dryer, in exchange for the chance to enjoy the outdoors and sounds of nature. Use the microwave A microwave uses only one-third the energy used by a conventional oven. Because it heats the kitchen less, the kitchen will be cooler, and you will save on summer air conditioning costs. Install a low-flow showerhead Showerheads are available that use half the water of older shower heads. A family of five can save about 32,000 gallons of hot water a year. Weatherstrip, caulk, and insulate Seal gaps around doors and windows. Explore rebates for installing insulation.
Compact fluorescent lights and Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are many times more efficient than ordinary incandescent lights and thus reduce CO2 emissions. Also, they now have more appealing light quality and come in many shapes and light strengths. Consider installing sensors that turn lights on only when they are needed. Adjust the thermostat Many people will barely notice a small adjustment in their home's temperature. Lower or raise the thermostat one degree at a time until you reach a temperature you find comfortable. Think sweaters and sweatshirts. Have your heating and cooling systems tuned-up. Consider installing a programmable set-back thermostat. Use shade to help with cooling Use drapes and awnings to keep out unwanted solar heat gain. If you must use an air conditioner, place it in a shady location away from the summer sun. Cut back shrubbery to ensure good air flow around the air conditioner. Reduce "phantom loads" Many appliances, such as clock radios, computers and televisions, continuously use small amounts of electricity. Reduce these "phantom loads" by putting appliances on power strips and turning them off when they're not needed. Turn off the computer Shutting down computers at night and on weekends saves significant amounts of energy without affecting performance. Make sure any power management features are activated, such as having the screen go dark after 15 minutes of nonuse. Choose energy-efficient appliances As a minimum, choose appliances with the Energy Star label. Savings on your energy bills will quickly recoup higher purchase costs. Buy appliances that are sized to your needs, and discard old appliances. Reduce car use and fuel waste Walk, bike, carpool, and use public transportation whenever possible. Keep you car engine tuned and tires properly inflated. Avoid unnecessary idling and rapid acceleration. Queries
Resources Alliance to Save Energy <www.ase.org>. Alvord, Katie. 2000. Divorce Your Car. Gabriola Island, B.C.: New Society Publishers. Brown, Lester. 2003. Plan B.: Rescuing a Planet Under Stress and a Civilization in Trouble. New York: WW Norton & Co. Energy Savers <www.eere.energy.gov/consumerinfo/>. Energy Star <www.energystar.gov>. Heinberg, Richard. 2003. The Party's Over—Oil War, and the Fate of Industrial Societies. Gabriola Island, B.C.: New Society Publishers. Natural Resources Defense Council <www.nrdc.org>. Pacific YM Committee on Unity with Nature <members.aol.com/quakernature/index.html>. Pahl, Greg. 2003. Natural Home Heating, the Complete Guide to Renewable Energy Options. White River Jct., Vt.: Chelsea Green Publishers. QEW's pamphlet, "Practicing Sustainability." Union of Concerned Scientists <www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy> Wilson, Alex, et al. 2004. Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings, 8th Ed. American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. <www.aceee.org/consumerguide/chklst.htm>.
Other pamphlets in the QEW
Helpful articles on sustainability also can be found in QEW's Earthcare for Friends, a Study Guide for Individuals and Faith Communities |
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Switch to more efficient lighting
