#9--Energy

Alternate energy does not emit carbon dioxide and have no undesired consequences.  By 2050, one-third of the world's energy will need to come from solar, wind, and other renewable resources.  These include Biomass Energy, Wind Energy, Solar Energy, Geothermal Energy, Hydroelectric Energy sources.  From an environmental perspective, solar power is the best thing going. A 1.5 kilowatt PV system will keep more than 110,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, the chief greenhouse gas, out of the atmosphere over the next 25 years. The same solar system will also prevent the need to burn 60,000 pounds of coal. With solar, there's no acid rain, no urban smog, no pollution of any kind.

I am all for getting away from fossil fuel.  Its’ emissions are horrible and worsening day by day.  There are so many alternatives that are coming more into perspective.  As time passes these alternatives will be used more. 

Reduce the Carbon Footprint of Your Car

Maintenance - Keep your car tuned up and running efficiently. 
More Maintenance - Replace your air, oil and fuel filters according to schedule. 
Tires - Keep your tires properly inflated (just this can save 400-700 pounds of CO₂ per year). 
Drive better - Studies have shown up to 30% of the difference in miles per gallon (MPG) is due to driving habits alone.  You could save more than a ton of CO₂ per year by:
  - Accelerating slowly and smoothly
  - Driving the speed limit
  - Maintaining a steady speed
  - Anticipating your stops and starts
Make your next vehicle a fuel-efficient one Household fuel efficiency - If your household has two cars and one is used mostly for commuting, make the commuting car a real gas sipper if you can’t for both.

Reduce the Carbon Footprint of Your Travel

Combine your trip with another. 
Carpool - Just once a week saves 20%.
Check out your transit options - It may not work for you every time, but use it when it does.
What about your bike? - Get in shape, too! 
Only a mile? - Walk.
Think it through - Do you need to take this trip at all? 
Get it on the Internet. 
Optimize - Save this trip for later and combine with another. 
Telecommute - Work from home occasionally.

Reduce the Carbon Footprint of Your Air Travel

Think about the trip - Can you combine it with another or get more done on one trip? 
Train - For some trips the train may be a good choice for you.
Fly nonstop - Nonstop flights are better than connecting flights (for many reasons). 
When you get there - Do some research ahead of time to find better ground travel options (shuttles, transit, trains, etc.) at your destination. 
Lodging - Ask your hotel about their environmental commitment and steps they’re taking to reduce, offset.
While you’re away - Turn your stuff off.  Turn down your thermostat and your water heater; turn off your electronics

 

Reduce the Carbon Footprint of Your Home

Programmable thermostat – Costs about $50 or less and will save you that much or more in the first year.
Weatherstripping and Caulking – Costs almost nothing while reducing your energy use, reducing drafts and improving comfort.   

Lighting – Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) have that cool curly shape and save more than 2/3rds of the energy of a regular incandescent.  Each bulb can save $40 or more over its lifetime.  Read the box or instructions for safe disposal.

Heating and Cooling - Keep your heating and cooling system(s) tuned.  When it’s time to replace, do your research and ask for ENERGY STAR.
Insulation – Weatherstripping, caulking and insulation work together to save you energy, improve the comfort of your home, make it quieter and help you save money. 
Water-Conserving Showerheads & Toilets – You can reduce water and heating costs, even in your bathroom. To save even more water, turn the faucet off when brushing or shaving. These simple changes and steps can save many thousands of gallons of water annually.

Appliances – Always pay attention to the total lifetime cost, including energy—not just the price tag.  Look for the ENERGY STAR label
Bigger isn’t always better - Just get the size you need; do you really need that extra refrigerator in the basement?
Electronics – Likewise, look for ENERGY STAR. And do like your Mom said- turn things off. If you’re going away or not using an item for awhile, unplug it to prevent “vampire” energy loss from electricity usage on standby.

Windows – These can be expensive, but when it’s time to replace them, make sure they are ENERGY STAR rated.
Solar – We love solar, but make sure you reduce your energy load first to keep your costs down.
New Home – Consider an energy-efficient