Happy Earth Day everyone! This day was inaugurated 45 years
ago today, just at the height of what would come to be the environmental
revolution. So how far have we come since the 1960s and 70s? The answer. Far!
Reductions in outdoor air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, particulate
matter, ozone, and lead represent some of the greatest advances. Those who
lived in populated cities such as Los Angeles 30 years ago can attest to the
improvements in visibility alone. Water quality, hazardous waste management, and
wildlife protection similarly made tremendous gains in the ensuing decades.
Concerns
for public health and the environment, however, are far from resolved. In fact,
today we are facing what is quite realistically our greatest obstacle to date.
That is, climate change. The ramifications of inaction on this single issue are
so overwhelmingly as to shadow many of the other issues myself and other health
advocates are passionate about. It appears, at least, that governments are
finally overcoming the private lobbies that have previously casted doubt on this
issue, and have begun pledging and passing legislation to minimize carbon
emissions. The recent U.S./China
bilateral announcement of carbon dioxide reduction goals is the most prime
example of this. However, Hurricane Catrina, Hurricane Sandy, the California
drought, and Boston’s 2014-15 snowiest winter on record all indicate that
current actions are too little too late to completely avoid harm. And these are
just examples in the United States. This does not mean that all is lost.
Continued greenhouse gas emissions are projected to only make such events more
extreme and more frequent, which is why it’s more important than ever to mobilize
international efforts towards continued emissions reductions. This where YOU
and I come in!
If left to
government action, change will simply not come soon enough. Fortunately, we can
act independently to curb emissions. Carbon dioxide emission mostly come from
three different sectors. Namely, transportation, industry, and
residential/commercial building energy use. In the United States and European
Union, the buildings sector accounts for approximately 40% of energy consumption!
In the U.S., residential buildings account for the majority (54%) of this,
producing 21% of the nation’s emissions. In other words, by making our homes
more energy efficient, we as individuals can have an enormous impact on carbon
emissions and help stabilize the climate. Below are a number of tips I put together
as part of a climate action project for the Harvard Law School earlier this
year. An official version will be published soon that you can print out as a
brochure and pass around. In the meantime, making some of these simple changes
in your home or apartment will not only reduce carbon emissions and other air
pollutants, but will also save you money by reducing your monthly energy bill.
Easy Tips
for Lower Energy Bills
Washer & Dryer
·
Wait for full load before running washer or
dryer
·
Use cold or warm (not hot) water when doing
laundry
·
Put heavy loads through spin cycle twice before
drying. This removes more water and shortens drying time. Or, put only clothes
in the dryer while letting blankets/towels air dry.
·
Instead of using dryer, allow laundry to air dry
by hanging
·
Clean lint filter from dryer after each load so
machine doesn’t work as hard to circulate air
Lighting
·
Use CFL or LED lightbulbs
·
Turn off lights in empty rooms
Electronics
·
Unplug electronics not being used. Or, plug
devices into power strip, which can be switched off. For instance, even when
turned off, devices that are plugged are estimated to account for up to 15% of
your monthly electricity bill!
·
When phone is done charging, unplug charger.
It’s better for the charger & saves energy!
·
Adjust computer settings to energy-saving mode
·
Lower computer screen brightness
·
Purchase electronics with an Energy Star® label,
this means they are energy efficient.
Bathroom
·
Take showers, not baths. 3-min showers use half
the water of baths & reduce hot water waste
·
Keep showers short
·
Take lower temp showers on warm days
·
Turn off tap while shaving/brushing teeth
·
Use low-flow showerheads
Dishwasher
·
Ensure full load (but not overloaded) before
running washer
·
Use shortest water cycle that still cleans
dishes properly
·
Turn off drying cycle on washer & open
washer door to air dry dishes
·
If hand washing, fill sink with water & use
stopper rather than washing under running water
Cooking
·
Put lid on pot to boil water. It will boil
faster and use less energy
·
Prepare meals in slow cooker or microwave when
possible
·
Let frozen meats thaw before cooking
Heating & Cooling
·
Turn down thermostat when leaving for
work/school, & turn it lower when leaving for vacation
·
Buy another blanket instead of running your
heater higher at night, this will quickly pay you back in saved heating
expenses.
·
Use a fan instead of an AC unit
General
· Water heaters are factory set to ~140°F, which is costly and higher than needed. Reset to 120°F, and turn lower before vacation.
· Seal cracks around walls & windows where outdoor air seeps in. Can be easily done with store-bought calking/insulation tape.
· Ideal temp for your refrigerator is 38-40 °F, don’t overcool it.
· If home is poorly insulated, consider splitting cost of weatherization with landlord. You will save on energy bills & be more comfortable overall.
· Propose green lease with your landlord
· If you use a Brita filter, store it outside of refrigerator. Cooling water takes a lot of energy!
· Close heating/cooling vents in rooms that are infrequently used
For More Info
·
Energy Rebate Opportunities: www.masssave.com (for
MA residents)
·
Discounted Energy Efficient Appliances:
www.energystar.gov
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-Shahir Masri, M.S.
