Up next... Earth Day!
I've really become aware of how "green" Minnesota is since moving to Oklahoma. Although Norman is becoming more progressive, it still has a long way to go to catch up! And to think that Norman is more progressive than OKC...
Anyway, curbside recycling just started here in Norman a few weeks back and I've been urging all my friends with houses to try it out. Unfortunately, our apartment has yet to offer us this choice. So my "I'm making a change" goal is to try and get curbside recycling to our apartment, as well as try to raise recycling awareness at OU. I'm amazed at the amount of students who don't recycle, even though OU provides recycling containers near all garbage cans. I've taken to going through the garbage in our office and pulling out all the items that can be recycled.
Did you know you can cut your CO2 emissions by about 20,000 pounds (10 tons)? Here are 12 ways to start:
1. Choose clean energy
Where possible select a power plan that uses at least 50% clean energy. To see if it is available in your state, visit the Department of Energy. If not, send this card with your utility bill.
7,000 Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year
2. Recycle
Recycling saves a lot of energy needed to make new products. Recycle 50% of your glass, aluminum, plastic, cardboard and newspapers.
2,400 Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year
3. Adjust your thermostat
Turn it down 3 degrees in the winter and up 3 degrees in the summer.
1,050 Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year
4. Buy a programmable thermostat
Automatically lower your monthly energy bill by giving your heat and air conditioning a break while you are asleep or out.
1,050 Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year
5. Replace a worn-out refrigerator with an Energy Star model
The US would 30 need less power plants if all Americans used the most efficient refrigerators. Visit EPA's Energy Star Website to see a list of energy efficient appliances.
1,000 Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year
6. Turn your computer off overnight and put it into a power save mode
A standard monitor left on overnight uses enough energy to print 5,300 copies.
950 Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year
7. Wash clothes in cold or warm water
Skip the hot water on 2 loads per week. You'll save energy and should have less wrinkled cloths.
500 Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year
8. Use compact fluorescent bulbs
It's a bright idea to replace 3 incandescent bulbs with fluorescent bulbs that last up to 10 times as long and use 1/4 of the energy.
300 Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year
9. Drive a hybrid or fuel efficient car
Save the environment and money by driving a car that gets at least 32 MPG.
5,200 Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year
10. Drive 15 miles less each week
Shrink your gas costs and your waistline by walking, biking and taking public transportation.
900 Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year
11. Avoid idling
Give your engine and the climate a break by turning off your car when you aren't moving... except in traffic or at a stop light of course. Try to cut out 10 minutes of daily idling.
550 Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year
12. Keep your tires filled
Your ride will be smoother and you'll save up to 5% on your fuel tab.
275 Pounds of CO2 Savings Per Year
I realize I sound like an advertisement, but it's important to me. :D
So get out and have a great Earth Day!
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starwitch78) wrote,
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