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Our Energy and Our Environment
At no other time in our history has so much attention been paid to our energy consumption’s impact on the environment. Global warming has become a household term. Our daily lives are affected by and dependant on energy, and most of us have a carbon footprint that contributes to global climate change.
At MXenergy, we support finding a balance between energy supply and conservation. There are a number of areas to consider when understanding how our energy consumption affects our environment:
- Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, are emitted from many places
- Our cars burn oil and emit a significant amount of carbon dioxide
- Landfills emit methane
- Plants that produce natural gas and electricity emit greenhouse gases
While daily concerns focus on energy cost, global warming comes with a big price tag. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, the total cost of global warming’s four impacts - hurricane damage, real estate losses, energy costs and water quality -- can total almost $1.9 trillion annually through the next century.
Coal is a carbon-intense of fossil fuel and is a source of fuel for power generating facilities. It generates more than half of the electricity we use today. As more renewable energy sources, such as wind and hydro, are introduced into the national electricity grid, we have a responsibility to consider them.
By following energy-saving tips we help fight air pollution, global warming and also help you save on your electric or natural gas bill.
Here are some easy steps you can take:
- Shop smart. Look for energy-efficient appliances. They may cost more initially, but often pay off in energy efficiency. Unplug appliances when not in use. They continually drain electricity
- Stop charging. Your cell phone and iPod that is. Keeping the chargers plugged in draws an unbelievable amount of electricity (even when your phones is not attached!).
- Drive smart. Try to drive the most efficient vehicle you can. Consider a hybrid and while you’re at it, a well-tuned car is more efficient, too. A new air filter could get you 10 percent more miles per gallon.
- By using the “sleep mode” option on your computer, you’ll use less power. You should set it to “hibernate” when you’re not using it for 30 minutes. When you’re done for the day, shut it off!
- Is it really that cold in your house? A common temperature to set thermostats at is 68 degrees or less during the daytime and drop it down to 55 degrees when you leave for the day.
- Take a cooler and quicker shower. At least keep your water heater set between 120 and 130 degrees.
- Pack the washing machine and dishwasher. Run only full loads and save electricity, natural gas and water.
- Clean the lint filter in the dryer after each use. Dry heavy and light fabrics separately and don't add wet items to a load that's already partly dry. If available, use the moisture sensor setting.
- Stay in the dark. When you’re not in a room, the lights don’t need to be on.