California Saves

Why should California Save? By conserving energy and being energy efficient, Californians minimize the need for building new polluting fossil fuel or nuclear power plants, reduce emissions of toxic pollution and greenhouse gases, improve energy reliability, and contribute to energy price stability. The cheapest power “source” is the power we don’t use!

Californians Have the Power. If every Californian replaced one incandescent with an energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Bulb (CFL) we would prevent more than 10 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, and save roughly 13 billion kWh of electricity. That is enough to power about one and a half million homes for a year. To find out how to get a FREE Compact Fluorescent Bulb, CLICK HERE.

Saving Energy is Easy. Try some of these no-cost tips and see how much you can save.

1. Lights. Look for the Energy Star. The next time a bulb burns out, replace it with an Energy Star CFL. Each time you replace one incandescent bulb with a CFL, you will prevent more than 500 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions and save up to $45 in energy costs over the lifetime of the bulb. CLICK HERE to get your free CFL.

Download a fact sheet about CFLs and proper disposal of CFLs.

2. Windows. If you cannot afford to replace old leaky windows with double pane windows, try adding weather stripping. Window coverings can also help keep costs down. Light colored blinds can be closed in summer to keep the heat out, and heavy drapes can help during winter nights to keep the heat in.

3. Transportation. Explore the alternative transportation available in your area. Taking a bus, walking, or riding a bike can be a stress free way to start your day.

4. Gasoline. Try to use less gas by eliminating unnecessary trips, carpooling, or buying a hybrid car. Some hybrid cars can get more than twice the fuel efficiency of an average passenger car.

5. Reuse and recycle. Tremendous amounts of energy go into the manufacturing of the products we use every day. By purchasing reusable products and products that contain recycled content, we can eliminate the energy and waste that comes from disposable products and products that are made of virgin material.

Find out how you can save even more by using the Home Energy Saver web-based do-it-yourself energy audit.

For more great information, visit http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumerinfo/energy_savers/.

Kids can save too!

There are many fun ways that kids can learn all about energy. Energy Quest is an interactive website with tons of California-specific energy information. ENERGYHOG.org shows kids where energy is often wasted around the house with fun games such as Bulb Hunter, and Fridge Frenzy.

Kids can also learn about energy in the classroom. Teachers interested in energy lessons can visit www.need.org or call Jenny at 963-0583 ext. 104 to find out about FREE energy education workshops.