When it comes to finding ways to reducing our energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, many of us immediately look at what’s parked in the driveway.
But we really need to be looking at the house behind the car.
Did you know the average North American home creates more than twice the greenhouse gas emissions of the average vehicle?
The good news is that it’s pretty easy to turn that fact around. Just set your green sights on these four areas:
Lighting Electronics & Appliances Heating & Insulation Hot Water Home Energy Calculator Your Yard
Lighting
Did you have a one of those toy ovens when you were a kid that could bake a little cake with just the power of one regular light bulb? Now that we’re all grown up, let’s stop and think about that: one incandescent light bulb throws off enough heat (which is another way of saying ‘wastes enough energy’) to cook something. We can make the switch to smarter, more energy- and cost-effective lighting. Here’s how.
Electronics & Appliances
If you’ve ever experienced a major power failure – one that has lasted a couple of days – you’ve probably come out the other end thanking the high heavens for electricity. Without it, life gets very inconvenient. No hot food or showers. No cold drinks or snacks. No entertainment. No email. The list goes on.
Power failures drive home the message that just about everything that gives us pleasure or sustenance comes from something plugged into a wall.
So one way we can really start saving energy (and money) is by pulling the plug on any appliance or device that doesn’t use electricity wisely and replacing it with one that does. Or at least changing our habits in the way we use those appliances.
How can you spot the power pigs? Click here. How can you tell which appliances or devices are energy friendly? Click here.
Good Green Habit
Exorcise those phantom loads! Many devices are quietly – and uselessly- drawing power when we don’t need them. And it’s not a little load either. They use more power in the “off” or “sleep” position than they do while they’re in use! Either unplug those devices when you’re not using them, or set them up on a power bar that has an on/off switch. Things to plug into the power bar include your cell phone charger, battery recharger, microwave oven, television, computer and printer.
You’ll Be Glad To Know….modern dishwashers (those qualified by Energy Star) use half the energy, one-sixth the water, and less soap than handwashing. Going green doesn’t mean getting dishpan hands!
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Heating & Insulation
Keeping our homes warm in winter and cool in summer accounts for about 57 per cent of our energy usage in Canada. And while Dad’s advice to go put on a sweater/sit in the shade/don’t even think of touching that thermostat is still pretty good, there are some other ways to save energy and money.
Both the federal and provincial governments have programs to help you improve your home’s overall energy efficiency. It doesn’t matter how old your house is, or what your income level is. Click here to find out more.
HeatSmart
When money is tight, winter is a double-whammy. Heating costs gobble up cash. And although adding insulation, replacing your furnace, or making other repairs will help, it can be hard to find the money to get that work started. But now help is here – with HeatSmart.
Here Comes the Sun
Wondering how to put the power of the star of our solar system to work for you? Here’s how.
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Hot Water
Wow. You must be one amazing bathroom baritone (or soapy soprano). After all, the hot water you stand under every morning spent all night waiting just for you. Did Pavarotti’s fans ever do that? It’s true: that hot water tank in your basement serves no other function than to keep water hot just in case you want some. And while that’s convenient, it’s also pretty costly.
Here are a couple of ways to save: Turn down the heat. Most tanks are set too high – that’s why you’re always mixing in some “cold” or turning the handle back a bit. Setting it between 43°-49° C (110° – 120° F) will still give you a nice hot shower.
Wrap it up. For a couple of bucks you can get a special blanket that will help keep the heat in your heater. Get some wraps for your hot-water pipes too.
Replace it. Programs are available to help you get new one or go solar. Find out more here.
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Home Energy Calculator
Nova Scotia Power Inc.'s calculator can help you manage home energy use.
Your Yard
Ah, summertime. A chance to sit out on your little patch of green, where the livin' is easy. But how to keep that patch green without harming the environment? Here are some tips:
Pest management at home (Nova Scotia Environment)
Environmentally responsible yard, lawn and garden practices (Environment Canada)
Wild About Gardening (Canadian Wildlife Federation)