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Take climate change by storm!
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Posted on Oct 01 2008
You can start at home by implementing the following steps:
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1. Switch to renewable energy[/B]
Buy non-polluting green electricity from your electricity company. If they don’t sell it, can you change power companies to one that does? Get your school, company or community to buy renewable energy, too.
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2. Buy energy efficient appliances[/B]
If you’re buying a washing machine, refrigerator, dish washer or oven, buy the most energy-efficient model you can afford. They might be more expensive but they pay for themselves through lower energy bills. The same is true for office equipment like computers, copiers, printers.
Look out for appliances on at http://www.topten.info (Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium) or the Energy Star label (US).
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3. Fluorescent lamps are cheaper in the long run[/B]
Replace the lights you use most with compact fluorescent lamps. They cost more than ordinary lamps but you end up saving money because they use only around one-quarter of the electricity to prove the same light. And they last four times as long as a normal light bulb!
[B] 6. About your fridge[/B] Don’t leave fridge doors open for longer than necessary, let food cool down fully before putting it in the fridge or freezer, defrost regularly and keep at the right temperature. Where possible don’t stand cookers and fridges/freezers next to each other.
[B] 7. Getting around and on your way to work and school[/B] When you want to make short journeys, try walking! Use a bicycle for short trips and local shopping. It keeps you fit too and is fun too!
[B] 8. About your car[/B] If you have to buy a car, buy a fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly one. This will save you money and keep more CO2 from going into the atmosphere. Make sure that your tires are inflated correctly—this can save you 5 percent on the cost of your fuel. Turn off your engine when waiting in your car. [B]9. Reduce your air travel[/B] When you travel to your holiday destination by plane you are contributing to significant emissions of climate change causing carbon dioxide. So take vacations nearer to home, or when you fly, consider buying carbon offsets to compensate for the emissions caused by your flight.
[B] 10. Enjoy the sun! :-)[/B] Fit solar panels on the roof of your home. Turn your own home into a clean power station!
We can all do something right away. And if we all do, something will undoubtedly change. Everyone has a responsibility to the world we live in now and the world we will leave to future generations. Take a first step to reduce your carbon footprint and “Take the Right Route” October 10th by walking, running, biking, or carpooling to work or school. You will save one pound of CO2 for every mile you don’t drive, save money, and maybe even your waistline.
Individuals, schools, and organizations that participate will receive a FREE pair of “Walk it, Don’t Drive it” zories, water bottle, or lanyard.
[I][B]Remember Every Act Counts!!![/B][/I] To Sign Up for Take the Right Route on Oct. 10 contact Laruen Sanchez or Noberto Mendiola at the CNMI Energy Office at 664-4480/1 or energy@pticom.com. [B][I](CoCo)[/I][/B]
