Saving Planet Earth

Like it or not, numerous academic institutions have implemented the scientific method to prove time and again that global warming is a direct result of man’s use of fossil fuels. Transportation is a prime source of emitting green house gases into the atmosphere but, even though we would all like to purchase a newer, more efficient vehicle, the cost prohibits most of us from making such an investment. Without the necessary cash flow, speculation on the returns is a pointless venture.

As energy costs continue to rise, it creates multiple challenges to make ends meet, but certain steps can be taken to compensate for those increasing expenses while limiting the emissions that are choking Earth’s life support systems. As I read magazines, newspapers and catch a few television programs on ecology, I take mental note on steps where I can reign in my contributions to global warming and, at the same time, save some of those hard-earned dollars and cents.

Government, corporate and even some housing buildings are taking progressive steps to conserve energy by promoting a greener environment. A little creative thinking can make a personal difference for the cause. Good intentions aren’t enough; it takes a commitment of actions.

Room lighting is can easily be adjusted. Three-way bulbs offer convenient flexibility, reserving the 120-watt switch for reading. Leaving a light burning in an unoccupied room is extremely wasteful, especially behind a closet door. Personally, I use nightlights when my main concern is saving my toes from being abused and bruised by a piece of furniture. Even in the family room, dim lighting to supplement the beams emitted from the TV serves my needs. A table lamp is within eyesight.

Overhead lighting on a ceiling fan can easily be put on a dimmer switch with the added benefit of lessening heat emission from the bulbs. Equipped with a remote control, it’s a convenience that also demonstrates human superiority over mechanical devises.

Ceiling fans cool a person, they do not cool a room. Unless you are in the room benefiting from the air movement, it is a complete waste to leave the fan on. It’s a simple rule that too many people just don’t get.

Street lighting poorly illuminates my home so, for security reasons, I use 25-watt bulbs in coach lights. A light sensor regulates the periods of operation. Solar lighting is available to shed an esthetic hew along walkways. No wires, no electricity.

The kitchen is a prime area to conserve and save. “A watched pot never boils” expresses the importance of putting a lid on that pot or pan. With newer cookware, glass lids can satisfy the need to witness the results of human ingenuity and prove that a watched pot boils just fine, preserving time, money and energy.

It is also important to make sure those pots and pans have a flat bottom, flush to the burner. Even a slight bulge makes the preparation and cooking time a longer process, wasting electricity. If it wobbles, it needs replacing.

I was surprised to read that washing dishes by hand typically uses 20 gallons of water versus 2 gallons with a dishwasher. I make it a point to shut the washer off after the
cleaning cycle and allow the dishes to air-dry. I don’t feel this compromises the sanitation of the contents.

Other kitchen appliances can also be used more efficiently. Once an oven is preheated, put it to use immediately and use a timer or meat thermometer. Use the oven light rather than opening the door to check the contents. Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed and find that snack or bottle of liquid with no time to spare. Adjust the cooling settings to further limit the cost of pollutant emissions.

Get family members in the habit of making sure their laundry needs are consistently placed in the hamper, otherwise you may end up doing an extra load when it could have been avoided. A dryer with a sensor option can avoid the possibility of arbitrarily programming inappropriate time and temperature settings.

I have this habit of leaving the builder-provided light on after opening the electric garage door opener, which has its own lighting. I’m easily annoyed by my own actions.

I am somewhat leery about the new fluorescent bulbs designed to provide more efficient lighting than typical bulbs. I already have quite a stock of every type of bulb I’ll need over the next year or so. I also have a grave concern about properly discarding used fluorescent lights. If not disposed as directed, the mercury content is no less harmful than any other act of pollution.

Heating and air conditioning provides a personal option to counter the cash flow to oil-producing countries and limit green house gas emissions. Adjusting vents in each room can distribute airflow more evenly. Closing air vents in rooms seldom occupied is another idea. You might adjust the thermostat to a cooler setting in the winter and a warmer setting in the summer. One degree can make a difference in the electric bill.

Most electric companies offer an inspection service at no-charge to identify areas that could be improved to increase efficiency in the home. It is strongly recommended for older homes. Suggestions are made, actions are dependent upon the homeowner.

Blackout drapes are one of the best purchases I’ve made for the home. They darken rooms as intended, but they also block out the heat of summer and the cool of winter, especially on windows facing east and west. I can’t imagine what my electric bill would be without them but I would surely pay additional dues to OPEC.

Perhaps taking energy-saving steps within the home could become a family effort, keeping a monthly log of the electric bill and setting aside a portion of the savings for a special occasion. Make the rules well known; any month that the expected savings aren’t achieved, the same proportion is deducted from the money pot. Set goals and after a six-month period take the money and have a little fun. To build up the kitty, set up a penalty fund for anyone caught with repeat offenses.

I’ll bet younger family members would meet the challenge and make a game of it. A game they would intend to win.

Although saving the almighty dollar may take precedence, the end result would be a charitable contribution to the health of our very own piece of rock in the vastness of the Universe. Long live planet Earth!

PARCEL POST 2008 @ www.parcelpost08.blogspot.com
A New Year. A New Blog.