Scientists have linked our greenhouse gas emissions – particularly carbon dioxide – with a host of health and environmental risks. So how do we reduce emissions?
While that does involve some major policy changes and alterations to the way global industry and power suppliers work, it also comes down to us and how we live our everyday lives.
You can make a difference in your Southern Colorado home.
Electricity
While Colorado utility companies are working toward getting a greater percentage of their power from renewable sources, the vast majority of electricity plants are still major carbon-emitting coal-fired plants.
That means, reducing the amount of electricity you use in your house will mean the utility has to burn less coal. To cut back on electricity use:
- Make sure you turn lights off when you leave the room.
- Use power strips to bundle appliances that work together and turn the whole strip off when you’re not using them — essentially unplugging them.
- Change out your light bulbs and replace them with CFLs or LEDs.
- Make sure your appliances are working efficiently.
- Contact the Energy Resource Center for a home energy audit and energy-efficiency upgrades to your Colorado home.
Car
Another major source of carbon emissions is fuel-burning vehicles. When you can, try to walk, ride your bike or take public transportation. If you must drive, try to consolidate your trips and carpool.
Daily habits
The way we live our daily lives contributes to carbon emissions. The products we buy and the ways we dispose of them makes an impact. Try to make conscious decisions about buying products made from recycled materials and to recycle items instead of tossing them into the landfill when possible.
For yourself and the environment
Making energy-efficient upgrades and consciously emitting less carbon dioxide is good for your wallet and the air you breathe, whether you believe it will save the environment or not.
The ERC
If you would like to know more about energy efficiency, contact the Energy Resource Center. We help Southern Colorado families make their homes more comfortable and energy efficient.
We provide free home energy audits and energy upgrades for income-qualified families and offer the same services for a small fee to those who don’t meet income requirements.
