Six Easy Steps (July 2007)
1. Reduce energy use at home.
- Request a Home Energy Audit from your local utility company.
- Turn your thermostat down in winter, set your air conditioner higher in summer.
- Buy energy-efficient bulbs and appliances. Look for the Energy Star label.
- Purchase green power. Minnesota law requires utility companies to offer customers voluntary options to purchase power generated from renewable sources. Contact your local energy company to find out more.
- Unplug it. Even while turned off and plugged in, many of our appliances still draw power.
- Use a line to dry your clothing. The dryer uses more energy than most other items in your house.
2. Reduce your energy use for transportation.
- Buy a fuel-efficient or alternative-fuel vehicle.
- Drive less~bus, bike, walk, or carpool.
- If you do drive, don’t idle your vehicle.
- Plan shopping trips~combine multiple trips into one.
3. Plant trees, grow a garden.
- Trees capture and hold carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, and provide shade, which can reduce the need for air conditioning.
- Plant a garden. Providing your family with home grown produce will reduce trips to the store. Spending time gardening will reduce the time spent in front of the TV, saving energy!
4. Reduce, recycle, reuse.
- Waste reduction and recycling saves energy and resources.
- Consume less, throw away less.
- Reuse items by repairing, donating, recycling, or selling them.
- Recycling turns waste into valuable resources. When purchasing, consider an item made from recycled materials.
5. Conserve water in your home.
- Collect water from “warming up the shower” or from a dehumidifier to water indoor/outdoor plants.
- Do I really need to flush?!?
- Do not water lawn or garden during peak daylight hours, especially on hot days.
6. Educate others. Share ideas.
- Share the facts on global warming and encourage everyone to do their part. Talk with friends and neighbors and come up with a list of easy ways to reduce your energy and water bills. How low can you go?