#24 Energy Conservation

100+ways
Written By Heal The Planet

Preserving energy helps the environment in a number of ways. Did you know that the US uses 17% of all of the energy produced worldwide every year? Or that fossil fuels are the number one producer of energy in the US? By creating awareness of our energy consumption, we can reduce our impact on the environment and preserve our natural resources.

Energy is Everything:

Are you aware that if you turn off two additional lights in your home for an hour each day, you will save more than 5 million kilowatt-hours of energy nationwide each year? Reducing your light usage creates mindfulness in preserving our Earth’s natural resources. In the last decade, we have seen numerous advancements in renewable and alternative energy, but there is still much to be done. Fossil fuels are still the number one form of energy – demonstrating the importance of reducing our environmental impact and sourcing renewable energy.

Energy Facts:

  • 63.5% of the energy produced in the US comes from fossil fuels from natural gas, coal, and petroleum products.

  • 19.3% of the energy produced in the US is sourced from nuclear power.

  • The United States has more nuclear reactors and generates more nuclear power – than any other country in the world.

  • Natural gas is used to heat more than 76% of all US homes and commercial properties.

  • The power used by products in standby mode accounts for 10% of total electricity use.

  • Renewable energy accounted for 11% of energy production in 2017.

  • Hydropower is the most used renewable energy resource in the US. It currently produces approximately 7% of the country’s electricity.

 

HOW CAN I MAKE AN IMPACT?

Tier 1: Global Goodness

  • Adjust your household behavior. Try turning off the lights when leaving a room, unplugging electronics when not in use, and washing your clothes on the warm or cold setting.

  • Turn down the heat on your water heater. Water heaters are typically set at 140 degrees but can be turned down to 120 degrees to preserve energy. If every household turns them down 20 degrees – we can prevent more than 45 million tons of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere. This goes for commercial water heaters too, and people should enquire about this with their commercial water heater installation contractor before investing in it to make sure they are staying green.

  • Turn off the drying function on your dishwasher. Not using this setting saves 20% of the energy used in a typical wash cycle.

Tier 2: Planet Protector

  • All of Tier 1.

  • Replace your light bulbs. Halogen bulbs, compact fluorescent lights, and LEDs use 25-80% less electricity depending on the product – and last longer than traditional bulbs.

  • Use power strips to shut off electronics when not in use. Utilizing power strips completely cuts off the energy flow to products.

Tier 3: Earth Angel

  • All of Tiers 1 & 2.

  • Replace your appliances with energy-efficient appliances. Make sure to look for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star label before making a purchase.

  • Install a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat can save you as much as 15% on your heating and cooling costs.

  • Go Solar. If you live in a mostly sunny location – consider the benefits of solar.

  • Choose to be an Ambassador for Change, and always Spread Loveand Spread Light.

 
 
Heal The Planet
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