Friday, November 9, 2007

EcoMoms: November 2007



Doing our part for a healthier planet in Janesville, Wisconsin

Did you know?

Heating your home accounts for 40% of your household energy costs. How much energy is required for heat is affected by the energy efficiency of your house itself, and by the efficiency of your heating system. You can take simple steps to improve efficiency and minimize both cost and environmental impact during the heating season.

What moms can do:

IDEA #1: Turn down the thermostat! By turning the thermostat down by two degrees, you can save 4% on your heating bills and curb emissions by 6%. Programmable thermostats make it easy to automatically turn the heat down at night or when you’re not at home. Other tips for decreasing energy usage include lowering your hot water temperature to 120 degrees (the same temperature recommended by Mayo Clinic in order to prevent your child from hot water burns), shortening the length of your showers (this can have a measurable impact, since showers account for 2/3 of water-heating costs), and replacing or cleaning furnace filters once a month during the heating season. Additionally, have your heating system professionally inspected and maintained annually, and consider replacing an elderly furnace with a new model (today’s furnaces are 25% more efficient than models from the 1980s.) When replacing your furnace, seek the Energy Star label—appliances with this label are about 15% more efficient than standard ones. Visit www.focusonenergy.com to see if you are eligible for a Focus on Energy cash-back reward for your new model.

IDEA #2: Invest in Second Nature. Alliant Energy offers a voluntary program called Second Nature, which allows their customers to support the growth of renewable energy by helping Alliant buy wind power and bioenergy. Your contribution allows for the purchase of earth-friendly fuels at a level equal to 25%, 50%, or 100% of your household electric usage each month. The renewable energy you help purchase displaces electricity that would otherwise come from fossil fuel like coal and natural gas. So how much does this support of green energy cost the average residential customer? You’d pay $4, $8, or $16 more on your energy bill depending on the level of participation you choose. For that price, you are helping to 1) build demand for green energy, 2) reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and 3) strengthen our domestic fuel base.

IDEA #3: Weatherize! Taking a few simple steps now around your home can significantly reduce heat loss this season. Remove window air conditioners or cover them tightly. Replace window screens with storm windows. Caulk around exteriors of all windows and doors and around other openings like dryer vents. Use weatherstripping on all doors. Install safety caps in all outlets (who knew this would help with energy usage?) and foam gaskets behind switchplate covers. When done correctly, home sealing can save you up to 10% on your energy bill! Alliant offers a free energy audit program online called My Home Comfort Check Up that can help you improve efficiency. Find it at www.powerhousetv.com; click on the Quick Link that says Home Energy Audit.

Why it’s important:

• Renewable energy differs from energy derived from fossil fuels by creating little or no pollution-causing emissions, resulting in cleaner water and air. To teach your children about renewable energy, visit www.alliantenergykids.com and try out a few of their “Cool Projects to Try at Home.”

• By contributing at the 100% level of the Second Nature program, your positive environmental impact is equivalent to NOT driving a car 21,128 miles OR planting 2.3 acres of trees.

• The amount of energy Americans use has doubled about every 20 years. At some point this will not be sustainable from non-renewable sources.

• Energy costs money! So by doing the environment a favor and conserving, we do our pocketbooks a favor too.


This EcoMOMs tip was brought to you by Dana Petersen Murphy, mom to Sabriel. You can contact me at dpmurphy@photokiva.com.