Earth Day is over, but tips for being green are sustainable

1.    Replacing that old porch light with an energy-efficient compact-fluorescent bulb can save you up to $50 over 2 ½ years.

2.    It’s getting warmer every day. Insulation can help you keep the heat out and the savings in by reducing how hard your A/C has to work to cool your home. Federal tax credits can cover 30 percent of the cost of qualified materials up to $1,500. Learn more at www.energystar.gov/taxcredits.

3.    Incorporate energy saving chores into requirements for kids’ allowances.  Give kids small rewards when they find and unplug unused appliances, things like 30 minutes of extra play time can be a great motivator for small children.  When they’re really doing well, host a fun, communal gathering like a neighborhood pool parties; everybody has fun, and more people save energy.

4.    Replacing your showerhead with a water-efficient model can cut your hot water usage in half and save up to $50 a year on your electric bill. Don’t forget to repair dripping faucets and leaky toilets. According to FEMA, one drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water per year!

5.    Many electronics continue to draw power even when they’re off. Install power strips on video and computer equipment, and show your kids how to safely use them to save energy.

6.    Avoid hand-washing your dishes (as if you need an excuse) – automatic dishwashers consume one-third less water than hand-washing so you’ll reduce both your water usage and water-heating costs.

7.    Turn the ceiling fan off when you leave the room. Diligence at preventing fans from running unnecessarily can save you up to $7 a month in energy costs.

8.    Adjust your washing machine to the appropriate water level for each load, and use cold water to wash and rinse your clothes when possible. You’ll reduce your water usage, and you’ll also save the energy you would be using to heat the water.

9.    Take advantage of a number of rebates and financial incentives to upgrade to energy efficient appliances.  Examples of these offers include:
a)    Insulation: http://www.fpl.com/residential/savings/energy_advisor/building_envelope/guide_insulating.shtml
b)    Leaky air ducts: http://www.fpl.com/residential/savings/energy_advisor/cooling_heating/ducttest.shtml
c)    Air conditioner: http://www.fpl.com/residential/savings/energy_advisor/ac_buying_guide/ac_buying_guide.shtml
d)    Major appliances (*Florida program only available through April 25th): http://myfloridaclimate.com/climate_quick_links/florida_energy_climate_commission/arra_funding_and_opportunities/energy_efficient_appliance_rebate_17_585_466

10.    The U.S. Department of Energy recommends the following rule of thumb for computer usage: If you aren’t going to use your PC for more than 20 minutes, turn off your monitor; if you’re not going to use your PC for more than two hours, turn off both the CPU and monitor.

Related posts:

1. Holiday energy saving tips
2. Tips to consider before taking your business green
3. Go green for the holidays
4. Florida House to explore loan program for green initiatives
5. More tips to reduce water/energy bills

Short URL: https://browardnetonline.com/?p=7656

Posted by Andrea Freygang on Apr 23 2010. Filed under Broward County, Environmental, FPL, Federal Government, Fort Lauderdale, Local news. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry