Earth Day has become one of the most widely celebrated environmental events across the globe. It's a time to focus more on the awareness and appreciation of Earth's environment. It's celebrated by over 190 countries each year. It was originally celebrated at Spring Equinox around 21 March every day but now the United Nations has designated the 22nd April as International Mother Earth Day. Earth Day Network coordinates this annual day across the globe.
Earth Day is all about appreciating the uniqueness of our planet Earth with its incredible biodiversity. On this day various national and international activities are conducted to understand the biodiversity and how should we protect our nature – plants, animals and the environment. Many people think it's about just planting a tree or helping to clean up your neighborhood park, but it's the simple things over time that really give the greatest impact. Saving energy right in your own home without spending much money is a great way to make a big impact on Mother Earth, but also your wallet. Here's a few ways you can do your part inside the home right away!
1. Monitor Your Energy Use
When attempting to save energy, this should be step one. Your local energy utility company likely has a website or app that can be used to monitor how much electricity is being used during the current billing period, and how that number changes from month to month. Obviously, there are factors like regional climate, the seasons, and the number of people within the household that affect these numbers. However, these numbers can likely be lowered by a substantial number.
2. Consider Changing Your Light Bulbs
Obviously, the easiest way to reduce energy costs related to lighting is to get into the habit of turning the lights off when you leave a room. However, there are ways to take saving money on lighting to the next level.
3. Consider Renewable Energy
When most people think of renewable energy, they picture huge solar panels, tall windmills, and waterwheels. However, there are renewable energy options that can fit your home and lifestyle. For example, there are homes across the country that have fireplaces or wood burning stoves that go unused. More than 150 years ago, 90% of the nation's energy needs were exclusively supplied by wood. If you have a wood burning stove that you are not sure about, you might consider having it inspected and using it during the winter. Switching to wood power for heat instead of a typical furnace can cut way down on your energy usage.
Another one of the renewable energy sources that can be used in the home is solar energy. This option might take a bit more research on your part (To see how affordable it is), but there are solar power roof shingles available.
4. Cut Down on Energy Waste
Many consumers across the country waste way more energy than they can imagine. Energy escapes through drafty windows, non-insulated ceilings, and open doors. One way to save on energy costs is to insulate your ceiling. According to research, up to 20% or even 30% can be saved on heating and cooling bills just by insulating your home's ceiling. Also, this can reduce carbon emissions by 140 to 2100 pounds per year. Month to month, it is easy to see how that money can add up. Also, general insulation and properly sealed air leaks in the home can reduce heating and cooling bills up to another 20%. Contact your electric company for more specific numbers relating to your area.
5. Energy Conservation Rewards
Your electric company may be offering money that you do not even know about. Many companies offer their customers rewards for using less energy, particularly during high-traffic hours of the day. You might be able to earn these rewards by following some of the above tips as well. Reducing the strain on the electric company (and the environment) can mean cash in your pocket. Contact your residential energy provider for details on what might be offered in your area.
6. Planting Trees
Trees play a huge part in the overall ecosystem. Aside from beautifying an area, Trees, like other green plants, use photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into sugar, cellulose and other carbon-containing carbohydrates that they use for food and growth. Trees are unique in their ability to lock up large amounts of carbon in their wood, and continue to add carbon as they grow. And then trees release oxygen when they use energy from sunlight to make glucose from carbon dioxide and water.
7. Arrange a Clean Up Party
Helping the environment also means helping yourself and your relationships, gather your friends up and start an initiative to clean up a local park. It'll help beautify the local neighborhood, build those strong bonds amongst people, and make a real impact on the environment overall.
No comments:
Post a Comment