Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

Connor ChryslerSteve Rattazzi

Step 1 - Lighting

Conventional light bulbs pros Compact Fluorescent Lights pros 1) Are cheap to replace 1) Typical 75% saving in energy 2) Are easy to purchase 2) Last 5 to 8 times longer 3) Tolerate hot locations 3) Gives off significantly less heat 4) Will tolerate some moister 4) Have a reduced fire risk. 5) Light comes on instantly 5) Ideal for hard to access locations

Conventional light bulbs pros Compact Fluorescent Lights cons 1) Waste up to 97.5% energy mostly as heat 1) Do not instantly produce light. 2) Don't last long 2) Do not like hot environments 3) They get very hot 3) Do not like wet locations 4) Are a potential fire risk 4) Initially cost more

5) May not fit into some fixtures

Step 2 – Water UsageThe long showers you take can be very relaxing, but they can also use a lot ofenergy. Here are some ways to conservewater:

• Take shorter showers• Don’t keep the water running when

brushing teeth, shaving, etc.• Buy a low flow shower head• Try to shower only once a day

Step 3 - Heating

Heat is a necessity but it can be very expensive if it is used frequently. Here are some ways to decrease the use of energy and save money:

• Install a programmable thermostat • Install a high-efficiency furnace or boiler• Add weather stripping around windows and doors• Use portable electric heaters in colder rooms• Use less energy to heat your water • Make sure heat vents aren’t covered• Wear more clothing

Step 4 - Transportation• Here are a few ways to save money on

gasoline:

• Don’t exceed the speed limit when you don’t need to.

• Don’t be aggressive on the road. Accelerating, turning and braking to fast can decrease gas mileage.

• Using the air conditioning will decrease gas. However, on the highway, open windows would make the vehicle less aerodynamic, making the car work harder. On the highway, air conditioning is better than open windows.

• Always clean out your car. This will decrease the weight of the vehicle.

• Make sure your tire pressure is always what it should be.

Step 5 - Appliances

• Here are some ways you can conserve energy with your current appliances without buying new ones:

• Always unplug small appliances when not in use• When washing clothes and dishes, run a full load • Unplug game systems when not in use

^(these use a lot of electricity)^

The Decade of Energy Efficiency

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShqriAtXwxs&feature=player_embedded

Bibliography• "5 cheap ways to heat your home - TODAY Home & Garden - TODAYshow.com." TODAYshow.com: Matt

Lauer, Meredith Vieira, Ann Curry, Al Roker, Natalie Morales - Video, News, Recipes, Health, Pets . N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Jan. 2011. <http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/28640357/ns/today-today_home_and_garden/>.

• "About Compact Fluorescent light bulbs." Energy4you.net looking for ways to save energy.. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Jan. 2011. <http://www.energy4you.net/aboutcfl.htm>.

• AllianceToSaveEnergy. " YouTube - The Decade of Energy Efficiency ." YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. . N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Jan. 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShqriAtXwxs&feature=player_embedded>.

• McLendon, Russell. "10 ways to save money on gasoline | MNN - Mother Nature Network." Environmental News and Information | MNN - Mother Nature Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Jan. 2011. <http://www.mnn.com/green-tech/transportation/stories/10-ways-to-save-money-on-gasoline>.

• "Save the Earth, One Shorter Shower at a Time! - Follow These Shower Efficiency Tips." EzineArticles Submission - Submit Your Best Quality Original Articles For Massive Exposure, Ezine Publishers Get 25 Free Article Reprints. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Jan. 2011. <http://ezinearticles.com/?Save-the-Earth,-One-Shorter-Shower-at-a-Time!---Follow-These-Shower-Efficiency-Tips&id=199375>.