85% likely to reduce energy consumption in 2010

The website Environmental Leader recently highlighted a survey by Tiller LLC with really interesting findings: about 85 percent of those polled said they were at least “somewhat likely” to reduce household energy consumption next year, while 84 percent said they expected to recycle more. So make a New Year’s resolution to reduce your energy use!

3 easy ways to start reducing your energy use include:

1) Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. This is the easiest way to use less energy – just like mom always told us.

2) Switch to energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) Bulbs. The technology has come a long way, and there are CFLs in just about every size and shape and brightness to meet all your household needs. These CFLs only use about 1/4 the energy and last up to 10 times as long, often paying for themselves in one year. Look for the Energy Star label. A Green Irene Eco-consultant can help you pick the right ones for the right applications.

3) A few degrees make a difference. In the summer, set your AC to 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees when you are away. In winter, set thermostats to 68 degrees when you are home and 55 degrees when you go to bed or leave the house. If you install a new “simpler to program” thermostat, you only have to think about these adjustments once.

Don’t forget to get your kids involved! An innovative and kid-friendly website, http://www.greenallowance.com, has launched, which provides practical ideas and customized assignments for kids — showing how they can save energy and, in turn, save money. Kids are encouraged to make a deal with their parents to share the savings on their electric bill – savings that are calculated and programmed to show up on their home computers every billing cycle.

There is so much more that you can do! Taking the little steps will add up to big steps which will make a difference for the environment and save your family money.

If you’re in the northern or central New Jersey region, contact me for more information on ways to conserve and save through Green Irene’s Green Home Makeover or Green Office Makeover services. For other areas, contact your local Eco-Consultant, and begin taking steps toward reducing your energy consumption today!

Barry Dambach
Green Irene Eco-Consultant
barry.flemington@greenirene.com
http://www.GreenIrene.com/BarryFlemington