Sustainability: business, life, environment

The first step in getting people to change the way they consume energy is making them aware that change is afoot. When it comes to lighting technologies, in particular, it seems that consumer awareness is growing.  According to the NY Times post, Americans Waking Up to Light Bulb Changeover,  for the first time, a majority of Americans now know that federal legislation will eliminate “most traditional incandescent lighting by 2014.  A new survey conducted by the lighting manufacturer Osram Sylvania found that 55 percent of respondents were aware of that fact, up from 36 percent in 2010 and 26 percent in 2009.  

 

Taking it to a more personal level, are you aware of your habits related to energy?  Have you explored ideas as to how you could be more efficient? Conscious awareness is key to sparking the eco awareness in a personal sustainability program.  Following are eco- tips to get you started on being the energy superstar that you are! 

 

• Replace dead light bulbs with CFLs and watch your energy savings increase.

• Buy a programmable thermostat.  By setting your thermostat on a timer you’ll save energy but still enjoy heating and cooling when you need it most.

• Lower the temperature on your water heater by a few degrees to save gas and/or electricity.

• As old appliances fail, purchase new appliances with the Energy Star rating.

• Reduce unnecessary electrical consumption: unplug seldom used devices (think cell phones and iPods). Only 5% of the power drawn by a cell phone charger is used to charge the phone. The other 95% is wasted when it is left plugged into the wall.

• Utilize power strips for commonly used devices.  Choices include Watt stopper and Bits limited.

• Close the fireplace damper tight when the heating season is over.

• Wash full loads when using the washing machine or clothes dryer.

• Using less hot water around the house saves energy too. Launder clothes in cold or warm water and take a shower instead of a bath.

• Plant shrubs and trees around the air conditioning condenser to improve its operating efficiency. The shade makes it work less to cool the refrigerant circulating from the inside air handler. In fact, the Arbor Day Foundation offers ten free shade trees when you purchase an annual membership.

• For help on buying energy saving appliances, check out Natural Resource Defense Council

• Explore your options for tax credits  for installing energy efficient appliances.

• Learn more ways to save energy at EnergySavers.

 

Small efforts such as these executed in a personal sustainability program consistently over time, contribute to improved energy efficiency and cost savings for your home- making you an energy efficient superstar.