Above and Beyond
These suggestions are either expensive or time consuming. We would like everybody to read this, but we donʼt expect all of you to do any or all of these things. If you can, great! If you canʼt, don’t worry, because you now know many easy ways to help!
These suggestions are either expensive or time consuming. We would like everybody to read this, but we donʼt expect all of you to do any or all of these things. If you can, great! If you canʼt, don’t worry, because you now know many easy ways to help!
Natural Electricity
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You may have heard of “clean coal”, that coal burning is no longer environmentally unfriendly. Unfortunately, none of that is true. The only form of clean electricity is from natural sources from the sun and the wind.
You’ve probably been told that solar panels are so expensive that theyʼll never be cost effective. That’s the truth for most of the United States. But here in Tucson, itʼs sunny almost every day. In your city is sunny, this might be a great option for you too! The savings on your electricity bill will definitely pay off. If you donʼt think you can afford solar panels but you would like to help, look into leasing solar panels. That means you donʼt own the solar panels, but theyʼre attached to your house and you have to maintain them. Itʼs no cost to you, and when/if youʼre done, just give them back to the company. For more information, check out http://www.sungevity.com/solar-lease. Many people also believe that solar panels are an eyesore, but with new technology being developed they have decreased in size an increased in efficiency. Some of them can even put the power you've generated right into the city's grid, so not only are you decreasing your dependence on coal, you help decrease someone else's as well.
Wind power also works well. Wind turbines come at all different prices, based on size and quality. The good thing about wind power is that it will work day and night. Even when it’s not very windy outside, any slight breeze will spin the turbine and create energy. For those of you who love to build things, there are many DIY wind turbine kits, look them up and decide for yourself which one is best.
You’ve probably been told that solar panels are so expensive that theyʼll never be cost effective. That’s the truth for most of the United States. But here in Tucson, itʼs sunny almost every day. In your city is sunny, this might be a great option for you too! The savings on your electricity bill will definitely pay off. If you donʼt think you can afford solar panels but you would like to help, look into leasing solar panels. That means you donʼt own the solar panels, but theyʼre attached to your house and you have to maintain them. Itʼs no cost to you, and when/if youʼre done, just give them back to the company. For more information, check out http://www.sungevity.com/solar-lease. Many people also believe that solar panels are an eyesore, but with new technology being developed they have decreased in size an increased in efficiency. Some of them can even put the power you've generated right into the city's grid, so not only are you decreasing your dependence on coal, you help decrease someone else's as well.
Wind power also works well. Wind turbines come at all different prices, based on size and quality. The good thing about wind power is that it will work day and night. Even when it’s not very windy outside, any slight breeze will spin the turbine and create energy. For those of you who love to build things, there are many DIY wind turbine kits, look them up and decide for yourself which one is best.
Home Appliances
Everyone knows that many household appliances rely on water; showers, sinks, washing machines, toilets, and dishwashers are all examples of this. Check out your local hardware stores to find the best prices on water conserving appliances.
Cars
Youʼve all heard of hybrid cars, right? They require almost no gasoline. But did you know, the method of building those cars emits so much pollution that it almost defeats the purpose? High mileage cars are much more effective at helping the environment. Give up your 10-20 mpg car for a 25+ mpg car. Itʼll save you money over time, and help the environment a lot. Alternate energy vehicles are also an option. If you live near a public natural gas station, then this is a great car. If you donʼt, a car like this will be inconvenient.
Rainwater
We know it doesn't rain too much in Tucson, but when it does, why not take advantage of it? Some people might install a large water cistern to use for their garden, appliances, and drinking water. That can be costly and it requires maintenance, but it can save a lot of water.