Student Tribune
Green Tip: National Energy Efficiency Day - October 5
October 5 is annual nationwide Energy Efficiency Day #EEDay2022.
According to the Energy Efficiency Day site:
• Energy efficiency could meet 1/3 of our expected
electricity generation needs by 2030.
• Since 1992, ENERGY STAR® and its partners have
helped families and businesses save more than $450 billion in energy costs and
over 3.5 trillion kWh of electricity, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions
by 3.1 billion metric tons. (EPA)
• Energy efficiency added more new jobs than any other
industry in the entire U.S. energy sector in 2017. (E4 the Future)
How can you participate and save money?
• Switch to LED for your primary lighting. Save up to
$75 annually by switching five of your most used bulbs with ENERGY STAR®
certified LEDs.
• Turn off unused electronics – unnecessary
lights, electronic devices, and appliances. If you use a power strip, you
can turn off multiple items at once.
• Defeat energy vampires – devices that use
energy and power even when turned off! Phantom energy devices such as phone
chargers, computer cords, and coffee pots can account for as much as 20% of
your monthly electric bill.
• Use window blinds/shades effectively in winter and summer.
Open curtains during the day to allow sunlight in on west and
south-facing windows in the winter (save 2%-12%). Close curtains to help keep
your home cooler in the summer.
• Use your dishwasher effectively – use of a
dishwasher over handwashing dishes for 10 minutes can save you 100 gallons of
water a week. Avoid the rinse-hold cycle and skip heated drying for more energy
savings.
• Clean or change furnace filters regularly –
dirty filters make the system work harder (and costs you more money).
• Look for ENERGY STAR® labels when purchasing
appliances.
• Wash full loads of clothing. A washing machine uses
roughly the same amount of energy regardless of the load size. Consider
air-drying when possible.
• Living in a residence hall on campus? – Green your room and help reduce greenhouse gas
emissions!
Penwarden, Ann
Sustainability Steering Committee’s Recycling Committee
07/15/2022