Citizen Action

Many times individuals are overwhelmed at the grand scale of environmental problems assuming that solutions are beyond our control. However, there are many steps that individuals can take and together, we can all make a difference. Here are some great tips on how to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in your day-to-day activities.

Your Home

Heating/Cooling

• Get a programmable thermostat – You can program the thermostat to automatically lower the temperature in your home in winter when you are not normally there or when you are sleeping. For every 1 degree Celsius you lower your thermostat, you save 2% on your heating bill.
• Set the air conditioner to 25^oC in the summer to reduce the stress on the provincial electrical grid and reducing the need to import dirty energy from the United States at a premium price.
• Get a new air conditioner filter. Cleaning or replacing your air conditioner filter increases the efficiency of the unit. Filters can be found along the length of the return duct in walls, ceilings, furnaces or in the air conditioner itself.
• Turn down your water heater. Every 10 degrees that you lower your hot water heater, you reduce your energy consumption between 3 and 5%. Most homes can set their heater between 46^oC and 50^oC and still enjoy hot water.
• Space heaters are energy consumption monsters. Consider applying plastic to windows to keep out drafts.
• Area rugs and carpets help insulate from the ground up. If your feet feel warm, you’ll feel less like turning up the thermostat.

Appliances

• Buy Energy Star appliances. They meet strict energy guidelines and reduce energy bills.
• Shut off your computer when you aren’t using it. It could save you $55 per year!

Lighting

• Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) are a great way to save on emissions and cash!
• Open your curtains! Sunlight is brighter than light bulbs and it’s free.

Waste and Recycling

• Think about what you buy. Do you really need that item? Does it have a lot of packaging? Can it be reused or recyled?
• Reduce, reuse and recycle whenever possible. Did you know garbage in a landfill generates methane, a gas 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide?
• Use recycled paper – recycled paper requires less energy to produce. Every pound of recycled paper you buy prevents 4 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. Look for the highest available post-consumer content.
• Compost – not only does composting kitchen and yard waste invigorate the soil, it also reduces the amount of waste going to the landfill.

Landscaping

• Xeriscape – design a yard and garden specifically to conserve water.
• Collect rain water – use a rain barrel to capture and store rainwater for irrigation.
• Water conservation – think about when you water. More than half of the water applied to lawns and gardens can be lost to evaporation and run-off due to over-watering. Water when it is cool in the evening or early morning.
• Leave grass clippings on your lawn when you mow. Clippings will quickly break down, helping your lawn retain moisture, adding nutrients and reducing the need for fertilizers.
• Plant trees on your property. They provide shade to help keep your house cool in the summer and remove carbon dioxide from the air.

Your Car

• Is there another way to get where you need to go? For the average person, vehicles are one of the biggest contributors of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Think about carpooling to work, starting a walking school bus for your kids, taking a City bus on your errand or walking to the local grocery store.
• Think about a hybrid vehicle for your next vehicle purchase. Hybrids use a combination electric and gas engine and result in reduced fuel consumption, emissions and operating costs.
• Slow down – Driving at 115 km/h uses 13% more fuel than 100 km/h.
• Don’t idle your vehicle – You will save gas and significantly reduce your greenhouse gas emissions.
• Regular maintenance - a clogged air filter can increase gas consumption by 10%!
• The right tire pressure can make a huge difference on your fuel costs. If your tires are underinflated by 10 pounds, you’re losing 4% fuel mileage.
• Aligning your tires saves gas, reduces inefficiencies and extends the life of your car.

Source: http://www.saskatoon.ca/org/environmental_protection/ghg_tips.asp