Household effeciency

The fight against greenhouse gases starts in your very home. Every household emits greenhouse gases. Whether it be products or unneeded use of a resource, greenhouses gases are emitted everyday from your very own household. These gases are emitted from, but are not limited to, heating, air conditioners, DVD players, shavers, etc.

What can we do?

Again, the battle starts in your household. Below are a few simple precautions we can take to lessen our unnecessary emissions.

-Unplug or turn off appliances and electronic devices when not in use. Turned off electronics use less energy although plugged in electronics use energy even when turned off.
- Eat more vegetables and less meat. The average American diet releases 1.5 more tons of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere than a plant-based diet does.
- Use energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs. Only 10% of the energy used by incandescent bulbs is actually given off as light. The other 90% is released as heat. Fluorescent bulbs last 12 times longer.
- Recycle, buy goods with a minimal amount of packaging, and in an office/building replace disposable cups with permanent cups to reduce waste. Cutting down on garbage by 25% reduces the amount of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere by 1,000 pounds per year.
- Try to walk, carpool, bicycle, or use public transportation more often. One gallon of gasoline burned causes 20 pounds of carbon dioxide to enter the atmosphere.
- Plant a tree or plants. Plants consume carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
- Purchase products that have an Energy Star label. These products may cost more to buy, but the amount of energy saved will make up for the cost within a few years.
- Keep vehicles maintained. Getting tune-ups and correctly inflating tires will increase fuel efficiency.
- Use both sides of paper rather than just one side when printing
- Limit the use of water
- Wash laundry in cold water rather than in hot water

Building modifications

The easiest way to achieve an energy efficient house is to incorporate all significant features right from the start, such as solar orientation. Today, houses have been built with the incorporation of solar panel additions. These solar panels can contribute a great amount of energy that otherwise another harmful fuel would. A "must" in todays homes are insulation. Insulation blocks air leaks and will ultimately keep your home warmer. Not only do you contribute to the fight against emissions, but home and buisness owners save money with these modifications in the long run.

Reuse materials

Reusing material, otherwise known as recycling, is also a part in the big picture of the efficient household. This occurs in many forms, using both sides of paper to contribute to the deforestation effect, recycle materials such as bottles so they can be reused for the growing population, limit the use of water to conserve a much needed resource, the incorporation of other alternative fuels, etc. All of these steps can ensure the lowest possible emissions for your household. Every recycled material counts.