A CALL TO ACTION
Welcome to our EARTH SAVERS webpage. AADC is committed to supporting environmental awareness. Each month author Jody Brady gives us information and tips on how to be more friendly to the environment. Your comments and tips are welcome. Scroll down if you would like to comment. Comments are curated and may not appear immediately.
October, 2022
USING LESS ENERGY
There is a direct connection between our energy use and the harm done to the environment. This is caused by toxic fumes released by power plants. The U.S. has less than 5% of he world’s population but consumes 17% of the world’s energy. Here are some tips:
- Turn off and unplug electricity when you don’t need it. Many devices and appliances consume energy when not in active use, driving up your bill and energy usage.
- Choose energy efficient appliances and light bulbs.
- Get Solar Panels
- Heating and cooling our homes uses 47% of the energy produced. We can lower our personal energy consumption by monitoring our heat and cooling settings.
- The ideal air conditioner temperature setting, according to the DOE (Department of Energy) during the summer months is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. For additional cooling use space fans, they can keep you cool and use less energy.
- The ideal temperature setting recommended by DOE during winter weather is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Put on a sweater – or two and warm socks.
- If that is too hot or too cold, slowly start adjusting your thermostat by one degree at a time until you arrive at the perfect comfort level. There’s no need to maintain the same temperature while you are out of the house. You will save energy and it will cost less!
For a comprehensive check list of ways to reduce your household energy use, check out The Academy of Natural Sciences, of Drexel University, here: Reduce Your Household Energy Use – The Academy of Natural Sciences. This page offers 40 Ways to reduce household energy use. If doing all the 40 seems overwhelming, choose 10 and try those. Every bit helps!
Kudos: We have previously mentioned our admiration for the Patagonia company and its founder, billionaire Yvon Chouinard, Rock Climber and early Sierra Club Member. Our admiration has risen even higher. Chouinard gave away the company he founded 49 years ago to a charitable trust. Profits will be used to fight climate change. It’s a company worth supporting. Kudos to him!