Why Your Efforts Matter

This is why the things you do at home, in school, and in the community matter.  
You can make a difference.

THINGS TO DO AT HOME WHY THEY MATTER
Recycle the week's newspapers For every ton of newspaper we recycle, 17 trees will be saved
Use paper products made of recycled paper (such as kitchen towels and toilet rolls) Increases re-use of paper and decreases paper wastage
Recycle drink cans and bottles The energy saved by recycling just one can is enough to run a TV set for three hours
Use energy-saving light bulbs such as compact fluorescent light bulbs One energy-saving lamp saves $150 over the lifetime of the lamp
Switch off lights when not required Lighting makes up about 25% of your home's electricity bill
Turn off machines like computers, televisions, and video-game consoles when not in use Decreases energy used in the home
Switch off TV/VCR instead of putting them on standby
Decreases energy used by 10%
Adjust temperature settings to be comfortable and save energy 1%-3% energy is saved for every degree BELOW 68 Fahrenheit or 20 Centigrade temperature setting in winter (for heating) / for every degree ABOVE 78 Fahrenheit or 25 Centigrade temperature setting in summer (for cooling)
Remind your parents to clean the air filters in the furnace/ air-conditioners Clogged air filters waste energy
Run the washing machine only when it is full of clothes Each washing machine cycle uses about 27 gallons of water
Take a shower instead of a bath Saves 1000 gallons of water a month
Turn off faucet (tap) while brushing teeth Saves 25 gallons of water a month
Place leftover food in reusable containers instead of plastic wrap Decreases waste, and increases re-use of materials
THINGS TO DO IN SCHOOL WHY THEY MATTER
Write on the blank side of used paper Re-uses paper and saves trees
Recycle drink cans and bottles Increases re-use of materials
Switch off lights when not required Saves up to $30 per year in one hour during the school day
Adjust temperature setting to be comfortable and save energy 1%-3% energy is saved for every degree BELOW 68 Fahrenheit or 20 Centigrade temperature setting in winter (for heating) / for every degree ABOVE 78 Fahrenheit or 25 Centigrade temperature setting in summer (for cooling)
Switch off computer monitors/printers instead of putting them on standby  Saves up to 14 watts per appliance
Turn off faucet (tap) while cleaning paintbrushes after art class Saves water
Check and report leaking faucets (taps) Saves four gallons a minute
THINGS TO DO IN THE COMMUNITY WHY THEY MATTER           
Walk / Ride bike to nearby places instead of going by car
Helps keep the environment clean
Share a car ride when you go to faraway places Burns less fossil fuels
Pour ice / water leftover in your cup on plants instead of throwing it away Re-uses water
Stay away from restaurants whose packaging creates lots of trash Reduces trash
Make compost for garden out of soil, leaves, twigs, water, vegetable and fruit remains Helps grow plants and keep the air clean

Online References  

 “100 Water-Saving Tips.Water Use It Wisely.  February 10, 2007.  <http://www.wateruseitwisely.com/100ways/nw.shtml>.

“Climate Change : We Can Make a Difference.  United States Environmental Protection Agency.  February 10, 2007.  <http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/difference.html>.

“Earthwise at School.Connecticut Light & Power. February 10, 2007. <http://www.cl-p.com/clmres/kids/schooltips.asp>.

“Energy Hog Busters.Hog Busters Training Camp. February 10, 2007. <http://www.energyhog.org/childrens.htm>.

“Energy Saving Facts and Tips. Rio Linda School District. February 10, 2007. <http://www.rlusd.com/index.asp?page=1319&pin=913>.

“Family Water Audit. Water Use It Wisely.  February 10, 2007. <http://www.wateruseitwisely.com/familywater/index.shtml>.

“Home Energy Inspection. Energy Efficiency World.  February 10, 2007. <http://jea.com/community/education/efficiency/inspection/index.html>.

“Home Page. Water Use It Wisely.  February 10, 2007. <http://www.wateruseitwisely.com>.

“Standby. Government of South Australia, Department for Transport, Energy, and Infrastructure.  February 10, 2007.
<http://www.sustainable.energy.sa.gov.au/pages/advisory/residential/energy_use/standby/standby.htm:sectID=14&tempID=53>.

“Take the Energy Challenge.Green Energy UK.  February 10, 2007. <http://www.greenenergy.uk.com/resources/newsletters/May%202006%20Newsletter.pdf>.

“Use Water Wisely.  Energy Efficiency World.  February 10, 2007. <http://jea.com/community/education/efficiency/wisely/index.html>.

“Water Facts and Conservation Tips.  Environmental Education for Kids.  February 10, 2007. <http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/earth/conserve.htm>.

“Water Heating/Laundry:You’re Your Home.Energysmart Library for your home. February 10, 2007. <http://www.energyguide.com/library/EnergyLibraryTopic.asp?bid=austin&prd=10&TID=17246&SubjectID=8374>.

 

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