The Everyday
We understand that in this economy, it may not seem easy to help the environment. However, there are many simple and cheap ways for everyone to help their environment, and even save you some money!
We understand that in this economy, it may not seem easy to help the environment. However, there are many simple and cheap ways for everyone to help their environment, and even save you some money!
Save Electricity
http://www.good.is/post/vampire-energy-2/
Did you know that power chords plugged into the wall will draw power even when you’re not using them? Itʼs called “vampire electricity”. Vampire electricity can cost up to 10% of your electricity bill! So when youʼre done charging your phone, iPod or computer, unplug the chord. At the end of the day when you go to turn off your lamps, unplug them, too. Itʼs not that hard! On that note, when youʼre finished in a room, turn off computers, lights, the television, and any other electronics. Having lamps on isnʼt always necessary. Here in Tucson, itʼs often sunny outside. Open your windows, let in the natural light!
In the months where the temperatures reach extreme, it's difficult to resist turning the A/C way down or the heat way up. An easy way to decrease your use of energy (and dock some money off of your electric bill too!) is to adjust your temperature. The average room temperature is about 72°F (23°C) but people can be comfortable in temperatures up to 78°F (26°C) depending on body weight. Try to avoid turning on a fan at all costs, because they only function to cool you, not the temperature around you.
In the months where the temperatures reach extreme, it's difficult to resist turning the A/C way down or the heat way up. An easy way to decrease your use of energy (and dock some money off of your electric bill too!) is to adjust your temperature. The average room temperature is about 72°F (23°C) but people can be comfortable in temperatures up to 78°F (26°C) depending on body weight. Try to avoid turning on a fan at all costs, because they only function to cool you, not the temperature around you.
FUN FACT: There are about 190 million phone chargers plugged in right now. If all of them were to be unplugged, the energy could then be used to power 100,000 houses!
Recycling
Recycling gives us the ability to remake products such as paper, cardboard, plastic, etc. Why use up natural resources when we can reuse and recycle? Talk to your garbage and recycling company about their recycling program. Youʼll have to pay a quarterly fee for collection services, but itʼs not a huge fee. If you donʼt think you can afford it, ask your neighbors, your friends, your school, or your office if they have a recycling program and if you can drop off your recyclables there. Check out this list to find out whatʼs recyclable in Tucson! http://bit.ly/WMList
If you live in a region other than Tucson, you will have to check what your city's regulations are.
Always consider reusable products, such as reusable water bottles instead of disposables, or lunch boxes instead of paper bags.
If you live in a region other than Tucson, you will have to check what your city's regulations are.
Always consider reusable products, such as reusable water bottles instead of disposables, or lunch boxes instead of paper bags.
Save Water
Having long showers wastes an unnecessarily large amount of water. Bring an egg timer into your bathroom and set it for 5 minutes, or bring a radio and challenge yourself to be done before the second song ends. If you feel brave, try having a military shower. Thatʼs when you turn off the shower water while you soap yourself and turn it back on just to rinse off.
Dishwashers use much more water than is necessary. We understand that the convenience of a dishwasher is nice, but is it worth using up the very little water we have here? Hand washing dishes is much better. Scrub off anything stuck to the plate, and then fill your sink with hot water, some soap, and put your dishes in. It does the same job with less water!
Low flush toilets can be expensive, but is a one-liter bottle? No. Fill up a plastic one-liter bottle and put it into your toilet tank. That will take up room in the tank, so every time you flush, you save one liter of water!
Do you have a swimming pool? Consider getting a pool cover. Itʼll prevent water from being evaporated so you wonʼt have to constantly refill it.
It doesnʼt rain very much in Tucson, but when it does, put out a bucket or two to collect water. Rainwater is very clean and natural, but boiling it before drinking it is always suggested.
Dishwashers use much more water than is necessary. We understand that the convenience of a dishwasher is nice, but is it worth using up the very little water we have here? Hand washing dishes is much better. Scrub off anything stuck to the plate, and then fill your sink with hot water, some soap, and put your dishes in. It does the same job with less water!
Low flush toilets can be expensive, but is a one-liter bottle? No. Fill up a plastic one-liter bottle and put it into your toilet tank. That will take up room in the tank, so every time you flush, you save one liter of water!
Do you have a swimming pool? Consider getting a pool cover. Itʼll prevent water from being evaporated so you wonʼt have to constantly refill it.
It doesnʼt rain very much in Tucson, but when it does, put out a bucket or two to collect water. Rainwater is very clean and natural, but boiling it before drinking it is always suggested.
Composting
If you have any vegetation in your yard, composting is great! Itʼs a good way to use your food scraps. All youʼll need is an outside container, old dirt, and some earthworms. To find out more about composting, visit http://www.howtocompost.org/.
Transportation
As you all know, cars pollute. Thereʼs no getting around that. But there are ways of getting from place to place that pollute less, or donʼt pollute at all. If youʼre destination is within a few miles of your home, ride your bike or walk. Bikes are self-propelled vehicles and donʼt need any gasoline to work. Walking, the most natural form of transportation will get you to your destination and back without using a single resource! Your feet can do great things! If you arenʼt in walking or biking distance of your endpoint, take a bus or carpool. Yes, both of these methods use gasoline, but by using one vehicle instead of two to take multiple people helps save gas.