Sometimes you cannot be the person who invents new energy sources or figures out how to take wheat board and make it into edible salad croutons. Sometimes you are just the person who follows the mandatory recycling/composting rules, watches documentaries on global warming and takes walking vacations in Spain (my father said, you call that a Vacation?)
How can I still make a difference?
My Peace – meditate for inner peace.
My Space– it is suggested that low-tech actions such as weatherizing homes and installing more-efficient water heaters could reduce household carbon emissions by 20% within 10 years.
Appliances – BIG energy savings can come by replacing old appliances with energy efficient EnergyStar appliances. (dishwashers, washers, dryers, refrigerators, etc)
Toilets– need I tell you again? Replace the old water wasters with HET (High Efficiency Toilets) and watch your savings on your utility bill. Installing a HET can save up to 22,000 gallons of water per year.
Water Heaters – install more efficient water heaters
Insulate – my home, like many other older home had NO INSULATION in the exterior walls. When remodeling, add insulation and watch your heating bill dwindle.
Windows – replace old windows with the double paned variety, no more drafts!
Plumbing Fixtures– look for the WaterSense label to curb your water usage.
Leaking pipes & faucets– can waste as much as 7 liters a day.
Yard – selecting plants that coordinate with our weather will reduce watering costs
Rainwater harvesting – collecting rainwater, primarily from your roof, can offset your irrigation/yard watering costs. If you want to go further, you can install a filtration system and plumb the water back into your home to be used to flush your toilets.
New Habits – turn off the water when you are brushing your teeth, take shorter showers, use the dishwasher only when you have a full load, thaw frozen food in the microwave
My Energy Savings – makes me happy and brings me full circle to my inner peace…..I am just ‘me’ and that is okay.