Consumer Energy Saving Tips

“A spike in the price of gasoline just ahead of Labor Day will force consumers to dig deeper into their wallets on one of the busiest driving weekends of the year, providing both a real and psychological blow to spending on other goods and services. And a sustained rise in the cost of energy could substantially slow economic growth.”
-- NY Times, August 31, 2005

Global Green USA, the American affiliate of former Soviet President Gorbachev’s Green Cross International, has compiled the following energy-saving tips for consumers to utilize throughout the year.

By following these simple tips, Americans can reduce their financial pain at the pump, save on high electricity bills, help stop global warming and help improve our environment. The recent energy price shocks from Hurricane Katrina remind us of the need to conserve energy to help the victims, and reduce our dependency on oil.
-- Matt Petersen, President Global Green USA

Drive Smart

The vehicles on the road today generate nearly one fifth of greenhouse gas emissions, have pervasive effects on land use and air quality, and are considered a major source of pollution in urban areas. Exposure to high levels of air pollution causes diseases like asthma, emphysema and other respiratory problems.

Passenger cars are responsible for 30 to 50% of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, 33% of toxic water pollution, and over 45% of toxic air emissions. Fortunately, each of us can save money and gas by adjusting our driving and maintenance habits.

Tips:

• Clean oil and properly inflated tires increase fuel mileage up to 15 percent. Proper alignment also maximizes fuel economy. More than a fourth of all passenger cars, and nearly a third of all light trucks and SUVs on the road have at least one under-inflated tire.
• Lighten your trunk . Every 100 pounds eats up an extra mile/gallon.
• Observe the posted speed limits . It's safer and saves gas. Gas mileage declines rapidly above 60 mph. Each 5 mph increase above 60 is an additional 10 cents a gallon.
• Accelerate smoothly and brake gradually . It's safer, uses less gas and reduces brake wear. Aggressive driving can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds.
• Use air conditioning selectively . Operating an air conditioner in hot weather can increase fuel consumption by more than 20 percent in city driving.
• Use motor oils that have the "Energy Conserving II" label , and don't "top off.”
• Purchase a hybrid car and support tax credits and other government incentives for these vehicles (or purchase most fuel-efficient vehicles)

Lighten Up at Home

About 35% of all electricity produced is used to run homes. Homes also contribute to air pollution, including 20% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. The EPA estimates that each homeowner could reduce home electricity use by 30% by just using energy more wisely and purchasing energy efficient products. The most energy intensive appliances used in the home are: water heater 16%, refrigerator 12%, air conditioning/heat 8-30% (depending on climate), lights 7%.

Tips:

• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. They last up to seven times longer and use much less energy, saving up to 75 percent on electricity bills.
• Use cold water , instead of hot water for laundry and dishwashing machines. Purchase Energy Star appliances when replacing old ones.
• Close the vents in unused rooms and shut the door so that you are heating or cooling a smaller area of the house.
• Install a programmable thermostat and set it for 72 in the summer
• Plant shrubs or trees to shade your air conditioning unit.
• Purchase green power . If available in your area, purchase 100% green power from a company and prevent 3800 to 6200 lbs of CO₂ from entering the atmostphere.
• Replace older windows with newer, better-insulated windows. 10 to 24% of heat loss occurs through windows.

Wake Up Our Leaders Before It Gets Dark

• Urge leaders in Washington D.C. to curb our oil dependence through greater incentives for fuel-efficient cars, renewable energy, and other measures by signing the Pledge of Allegiance to American Energy Independence at www.globalgreen.org.
• Call your lawmaker to support solar (AB 1383) and green schools (AB 315) legislation to lower energy costs for low income families, cash strapped school districts.

Dramatically improve your energy savings power by enlisting a friend or two to join you in taking these actions.

For more tips on ways you can save money and conserve gas and electricity visit: www.globalgreen.org; www.flexyourpower.com; and www.energystar.gov.