ACTION TIPS OCTOBER 2008

When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.

- John Muir

  

October 2008

Saving energy for the seas!

Saving energy saves our seas, and will help conserve what’s in your wallet. As winter approaches in the northern hemisphere, now is the time to take action at home to conserve energy. Energy production can generate air and water pollution, both of which harm the ocean, its diverse habitats, and animals. Additionally, mercury in emissions can end up in waterways and, eventually, in the fish you eat!

Three for me...

  1. Sea Critter 1Stay cozy and save money. This winter, insulate your home thoroughly to ensure you’re not heating the entire planet! Keep cold air outside by installing storm doors and windows and weather-sealing any leaking windows and doors. Air lost through un-insulated windows or doors can waste 15% of your home’s heating energy, adding up to a lot of lost $$. Fixing the problem is easy!

  2. Lighten the impact of your lighting. The creation of electric power produces more pollution than any other single industry in the United States, and a lot of that pollution ends up downstream and downwind in our world’s ocean. As the nights darken, replace your light bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescent lights or LEDs, which are becoming less expensive every month.

  3. Keep vampires out of your house! Energy "vampires" are appliances and other electrical equipment that drain your energy and cost money while they are not actively being used. These devices are easy to spot in a dark room (look for the little "standby/on" lights) and even easier to stop. Try plugging many electronic appliances into one power strip and then just turn it on and off rather than each one individually. Save the vampires for Halloween!!

  ...and three for the seas

  1. Try going "carbon neutral." All of our daily activities add up to create a surprising amount of planet-damaging emissions. You can go "carbon neutral" in three simple steps: 1) Calculate your footprint; 2) Reduce your emissions; and 3) Choose simple ways to offset what you still emit. Start this month and come back to this site every month for more ways to help strive toward achieving your goal!

  2. Yellow Star FishReduce your energy use. There are many ways to reduce your energy use and help the ocean. Contact your local utility company to get a free energy audit for your home to make sure you are conserving as much energy – and saving as much money – as possible.

  3. Encourage alternative energy programs. Your town or city may already have green energy programs. Why not make the switch today in your home. Then encourage your community to become a Green Power Community that enjoys the freedom from traditional energy sources which put a heavy tax on the environment.