Energy and resource conservation is one of the biggest ways to make a difference at home. The first rule of conservation is: if you are not using it, turn it off! This means turning off lights, televisions and computers when you leave the room. Also, unplug appliances that are not in use because they do continue to draw small amounts of energy. For example, your cell phone will continue to use energy even if it is fully charged.
*** Be aware of energy standards when buying appliances and only purchase those that have been awarded the “Energy Star” rating. This rating ensures that the appliance meets the standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. In addition, opt for a small microwave instead of a hotplate, as the microwave only heats the space inside and not the entire room. If you have roommates, sharing a refrigerator will drastically reduce the energy used in your home or dorm.
*** Replace your standard light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs use 75% less energy, produce 75% less heat and last ten times longer than standard light bulbs. A word of caution here, these bulbs contain a small amount of mercury (about the same as the amount of ink on the tip of your pen) so be careful not to break them.
*** When doing laundry, make sure to wash a full load, not just a few items, and use cold or warm water. Washing and drying multiple small loads uses more energy and water, and consequently, pollutes the environment more than necessary.
*** Did you know that when taking a shower you use upwards of five gallons of water per minute? The next time you take a shower, time yourself and calculate the gallons you used. Everyone loves a nice, hot shower but consider the cost of your comfort to the environment. Another way to reduce water waste is to update your shower with a low-flow, high efficiency showerhead, which can save almost a gallon of water per minute.
*** Now that the weather will be cooling off, try living without the air conditioning. Open the windows and let in the fresh air or use a fan if you need more air circulation. All air conditioners draw an enormous amount of energy and some older models still release chloro-fluoro-carbons into the environment, further degrading the ozone layer.
*** Paper waste is another area where we can make a difference at home. Last week, I talked about bringing your own mug to the coffee shop, now take it a step further. If you are the type that always brings home leftovers, bring your own container to store them and avoid adding more takeout boxes to landfills. When dining in, use real dishware and cloth napkins instead of paper and plastic.
*** Junk mail is a major problem for all of us, tell the companies sending it to stop. You can opt out of credit card offers, catalogs and other advertisements by visiting www.optoutprescreen.com and completing the online form.
*** One of the best ways you can lessen the effects of toxins in the environment is to live organically. Buying local organic food is not only healthier, but it helps keep the environment free of pesticides and promotes the local economy. Charleston has an amazing farmers market just blocks from campus where you can buy the freshest fruits and vegetables the season has to offer. In recent years, a multitude of organic personal care products have become available. Tom’s of Maine makes organic deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo and shaving cream that are available at most of the chain pharmacies. If you have a green thumb, take up window gardening and include houseplants in your decor. Plants reduce the carbon dioxide and produce life-sustaining oxygen. Finally, think organically when decorating your dorm or apartment. You can buy organic paint at your favorite home improvement store, and use curtains and sheets made from highly renewable materials like organic cotton or bamboo fiber.
For information about how you personally effect the planet and what you can do about it check out: Carbon Footprints
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