Green Needham Tips
From GNC
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[edit] June Tip: Improve your gas mileage!
Driving Tips from the US Department of Energy
- Check into telecommuting, carpooling and public transit to cut mileage and car maintenance costs.
- Combine errands into one trip. Several short trips, each taken from a cold start, can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm.
- Idling gets you 0 miles per gallon. The best way to warm up a vehicle is to drive it. No more than 30 seconds of idling on winter days is needed.
- Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking) can lower your highway gas mileage 33% and city mileage 5%.
- Using cruise control on the highway
- Use air conditioning only when necessary.
- Clear out your car - extra weight decreases gas mileage.
- Reduce drag by placing items inside the car or trunk rather than on roof racks. A loaded roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by 5%.
Car Maintenance Tips
- Use the grade of motor oil recommended by your car's manufacturer. Using a different motor oil can lower your gasoline mileage by 1%-2%.
- Keep tires properly inflated and aligned to improve your gasoline mileage by around 3.3%.
- Get regular engine tune-ups and car maintenance checks to avoid fuel economy problems due to worn spark plugs, dragging brakes, low transmission fluid, or transmission problems.
- Replace clogged air filters to improve gas mileage by as much as 10% and protect your engine.
Source: US DoE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy pages
[edit] May Tip: Keep it Local!
Buy Locally Grown - it shows good taste!
- Local produce is fresher, tastes better and has a smaller carbon footprint since food is only transported a short distance.
- In the U.S., the average grocery store's produce travels nearly 1,500 miles between the farm where it was grown and your refrigerator. About 40% of our fruit is produced overseas. See here for more information
- Before our food is shipped across the country (or world0 it gets packaged. Large amounts of fossil fuels are needed to produce the packaging and it is often not recyclable.
- Buy locally grown produce - without packaging - at Volante Farms beginning early to mid June. Volante currently has a wide variety of plans available, all grown within the Northeast.
Shop Locally - Save gas, money and time while supportiong the local economy.
- A trip from Needham to the Natick Mall and back produces approximately 20 pounds of CO2. Instead of going to the mall, go downtown.
- Walk or ride your bik to NEedham's shopping districts. It's a great way to keep in shape and redue local traffic.
- Bring along a TrekRoller Grocery Trolley. These trolleys are terrific for carrying groceries and other items as you walk around Town doing your errands. Visit them at http://www.trekroller.com (a Somerville, MA company).
[edit] April Tip: Plant a Tree
“If I thought I was going to die tomorrow, I should nevertheless plant a tree today.”
~Stephan Girard (May 20, 1750 – Dec 26, 1831,) an American philanthropist
Why?
1. Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent and can save 20 - 50 percent in energy used for heating.
• Ever-green trees on the northeast side of a house buffer cold winter winds.
• Deciduous trees on the south and west sides of a house provide shade in summer, but let in sunlight in winter.
Contact a nursery or landscape specialist for advice on proper placement.
2. Healthy, mature trees add an average of 10 percent to a property's value.
3. Trees convert sunlight into chemical energy, removing carbon dioxide from the air and releasing oxygen that we need to breathe.
• One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen.
4. Trees are natural air conditioners, cooling the air as excess water vapor evaporates from their leaves (transpiration) and shading us on hot, sunny days.
5. Tree roots help prevent erosion in heavy rains, especially on slopes.
6. Visual exposure to settings with trees has been shown to reduce stress within five minutes, as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension.
The Town of Needham may add or replace a street tree in front of your home. To make a request, call Needham’s Public Works Department, Parks and Forestry Division, 781-455-7534.
Sources:
Dr. Roger S. Ulrich Texas A&M University
U.S. Department of Agriculture
[edit] March Tip: Reduce Hot Water Use and Save Money!
For most homes, approximately 15% of home energy use goes to heating water
1. Installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators is the most effective way to conserve water and electricity at once. You can reduce your home water consumption by as much as 50%, and cut energy costs for heating the water by the same amount.
• For maximum water efficiency, select a showerhead with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gpm. Showerheads installed before 1992 may have flow rates as high as 5.5 gpm.
• Typically, new kitchen faucet aerators restrict flow rates to 2.2 gpm, whereas new bathroom faucet aerators restrict flow rates from 1.5 to 0.5 gpm. For maximum water efficiency, purchase aerators that have flow rates of no more than 1.0 gpm.
• Fix leaks in faucets, showerheads or pipes. Check for a toilet leak by putting a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. If, after 15 minutes, some of the coloring seeps into toilet bowl, there is a leak.
2. Washing Tips:
• Fully load washers before running. For significant additional savings, hang dry laundry and air-dry dishes.
• When possible, wash laundry in cold water.
• Shift energy intensive tasks, such as laundry and dish washing, to off-peak energy demand hours (late evenings and weekends).
• When replacing old washers, look for Energy Star models.
3. Consider solar when replacing your water heater. On average, a solar water heater will reduce your water heating bills from 50%–80%. Also, because the sun is free, you're protected from future fuel shortages and price hikes. Check out www.nesea.org to get started.
Soures: http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=13050
http://www.ase.org/content/article/detail/910
http://www.reduceyourelectricbill.net/
[edit] February Tip: Heating Ups and Downs
How high will it go? • On January 3, 2008, oil prices hit an all time high of $100.05 per barrel, up from $54.63 . a year earlier. The average home in the Northeast will spend $2,078 on heating oil this . season, an increase of 38.4% over last year.
1. Turn down the thermostat
Buy a programmable thermostat and set the temperature to 68O when you are home, and 58-60 O at night and when you are out. By turning your thermostat down just 2 O you can lower heating bills by 4%, which could translate into $50-$80 in heating bill savings.
2. Layer up
Wear extra sweaters and long underwear - one of the oldest and most effective technologies for staying comfortable while saving heating fuel.
3. Up the chimney
Your fireplace is one of the most inefficient heat sources you can use. It literally sends your energy dollars right up the chimney along with volumes of warm air. That warm air gets replaced by cold air coming into the house from the outside, which your heating system must than warm up. Make sure to keep the flu shut when you are not using the fireplace.
4. Upkeep
a. Clean or replace filters on furnaces once a month or as needed.
b. Clean warm-air registers, vacuum baseboard heaters, and radiators and make sure they're not blocked by furniture.
c. Keep draperies and shades on your southfacing windows open during the day to allow for passive solar heating and closed at night.
5. Down the road… install a new energy-efficient furnace
a. Look for the ENERGY STAR® and EnergyGuide labels.
b. Learn about the latest technology, like the freewatt cogeneration system; a home heating system that also generates electricity.
Sources: http://www.eia.doe.gov/steo
http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/saving/efficiency/savingenergy,html
www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/fireplaces.html
[edit] January Tip: No More Junk Mail Please!
Can’t see the forest… for the trees are being torn down and turned into junk mail
• Each year, 100 million trees are used to produce junk mail.
• Among US manufacturing industries, papermaking is the third-ranked consumer of energy, third-ranked emitter
of toxic pollutants into the air, and fourth-ranked emitter of greenhouse gases.
How to stop the junk mail madness:
1. Get started by checking out these websites:
2. One of the most effective ways to reduce your junk mail is to write letters to mail preference services and credit bureaus requesting that your name and address be removed from their lists. An easy way to get this done is to go to http://www.junkbusters.com/optout.html. There you will find sample letters written to the biggest offenders. Just paste your address information into the letter, print and mail.
3. Call companies you do business with or organizations to which you donate (i.e., catalog companies, credit cards, magazines, charities, banks, retailers, etc.) and request that your name, address and telephone number not be released for marketing, mailing or promotional purposes. Do the same when giving out your mailing information in the future.
4. Return first class junk mail with "refused" written on the envelope. There’s no cost to you and hopefully you will be removed from the mailing list.
How to reduce the mail you sign up for:
1. Contact charities you give to and request to be solicited just once a year and not to be sent labels, calendars, etc. You may want to set up monthly donations automatically deducted from your bank account or credit card.
2. Contact mail order retailers and request they send fewer (or no) catalogs. These retailers likely have the same product information available online. Request that “special sale” notifications be sent to you via e-mail.
3. Request to receive bank and stock statements/confirmations via e-mail. Many companies have websites that will allow you to set this up yourself. Also, most utilities and service providers, such as cell phone and internet, allow you to set up paperless billing.
Sources: http://www.epa.state.oh.us/opp/consumer/junkmail.html
“The State of the paper Industry”, report by the Environmental Paper Network
[edit] December Tip: Heat Your House – Not Your Neighborhood
Inadequate insulation and air leakage are the leading causes of energy waste in most homes. You can cut your energy use for heating and cooling by as much as 20% to 40% by simply adding insulation and sealing air leaks. By properly insulating your home you will save money and energy, while reducing your CO2 emissions.
• Call MassSave (1-800-654-5833) for a free home energy assessment. You may be eligible for up to $1,500 in insulation rebates.
• Insulate your attic. This is one of the most cost-effective ways to save energy and make your home more comfortable year-round. If you are insulating yourself, make sure you learn about proper attic ventilation first.
• Provide the recommended level of insulation under floors above unheated spaces, around walls in a heated basement or unventilated crawl space, and on the edges of slabs-on-grade.
• Test your home for air tightness. On a windy day, hold a lit incense stick next to your windows, doors, electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, ceiling fixtures, attic hatches (anywhere there is a possible air path to the outside). If the smoke stream travels horizontally, you have located an air leak.
• Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows. Keep windows locked to reduce drafts. Put storm windows on in winter or replace with double pane windows.
• Caulk and seal air leaks where plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring penetrates through exterior walls, floors, ceilings, and soffits over cabinets.
Sources: hhtp://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/insulation.html
http://www.nstaronline.com/residential/energy_efficiency/fall_winter.asp
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/insulation/ins_01.html
[edit] November Tip: Dreaming of a green holiday?
• Shop locally - Save gas, money and time while supporting the local economy. A trip from Needham to the Natick Mall and back produces approximately 20 lbs of CO2.
• Carpool and combine trips - Bring a friend along. It’s more fun and you can share ideas. Plan your trips well and combine errands. With a little thought before hand you can save time, gas and reduce your carbon emissions.
• Bag it with a reusable bag – Plastic bags carry a heavy environmental cost. Bring your own canvas/reusable bag when you shop.
• Consider buying eco-friendly gifts - Consider the materials, packaging and message. Some suggestions: wooden toys (not pressed wood), all natural products, solar charger, books (fun and green: for kids - Recycled Crafts Box by Laura C. Martin; for adults - Wake Up and Smell the Planet, The Nonpompous, Nonpreachy Grist Guide to Greening Your Day). For lots of great eco-friendly gift ideas go to: http//www.grist.org/advice/possessions/2004/12/15/guide-holiday/.
• Bright Ideas:
1 Operate holiday lights no more than six evening hours and turn them off when you are away. Every additional hour you leave lights on costs money and creates more carbon emissions.
2 Use energy-saving LED (Light Emitting Diode) or solar powered holiday lights. LEDs use about 99 percent less energy than larger, traditional holiday bulbs and last up to 100,000 hours when used indoors. LED holiday lights are available at Harveys, CVS and Walgreens.
3 Take lights down after the holidays!
To Compare the amount of electricity used by a string of each type of lights in an hour,
multiply the number of watts per bulb by the number of bulbs per string:
C-7 bulbs: 4 watts per bulb x 25 bulbs per string = 100 watts per hour
Mini-lights: 0.4 watts per bulb x 100 bulbs per string = 40 watts per hour
LED lights: 0.04 watts per bulb x 100 bulbs per string = 4 watts per hour
http://www.ase.org/content/news/detail/803
http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/classactivities/energyarticles.html#XmasTree
[edit] October Tip: Change a Light Bulb
Most electricity comes from the burning of fossil fuels that release greenhouse gases into the air, contributing to global warming and pollution. One simple way you can use less electricity is to switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). CFLs use up to 80% less electricity, last considerably longer than regular bulbs, and now come in a wide variety of sizes, types and colors. Using CFLs will help save you money and help save the environment.
What difference could changing one little bulb make?
By switching just one incandescent bulb to a compact fluorescent, you will prevent 150 pounds of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere each year. If every home in Massachusetts switched ONE bulb, it would be the equivalent of taking 25,000 cars off the road.
Tips for choosing energy-efficient lighting for your home
1. Make sure the bulb you buy has the EPA Energy Star Rating.
2. Replace the bulbs in your most frequently used light fixtures first.
3. Choose a CFL that offers the same amount of light as the light you are replacing. For instance, a 25 watt CFL is the same as a 100 watt incandescent bulb!
4. Select the quality of light that you prefer. Warmer colors (2700 to 3000 Kelvin) are appropriate for most rooms, but a cooler color (3500 to 6500 Kelvin) may be preferable for task lighting. Cooler color tones are generally referred to as "bright white," "natural," or "daylight."
5. If you're replacing a bulb that's operating on a dimmer or 3-way switch, make sure the compact fluorescent light bulb is designed to be dimmable – otherwise, the CFL will not perform as well nor last as long as it should.
6. Remember to dispose of your CFL responsibly when it burns out, so the small amount of mercury in it may be reclaimed. At the Needham RTS, take bulbs to the Universal Waste Shed near the special disposal areas.
Source: www.energystar.gov/changealight
Source: Massachusetts Sierran, Volume 12, No. 3, 2006
Source: Environmental Defense Fund
[edit] September Tip: Don’t Idle!
Rule of thumb for smart, idle-free driving:
Why?
1. For your health - Idling contributes particulates and other pollutants to the atmosphere. These pollutants are a health risk to everyone, but particularly to children because they breathe faster and inhale more air per kilogram of body weight than adults.
2. For the environment - Idling adds to greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change and smog. Idling for 30 minutes burns nearly a half-gallon of gasoline and produces 10 lbs of CO2.
3. To reduce wear and tear on your engine - Excessive idling may actually damage your engine components, including cylinders, spark plugs, and exhaust systems.
4. To save money - Idling gets ZERO miles per gallon. After TEN SECONDS of idling, you are using more fuel than restarting the engine.
Also… excessive idling is against the law:
Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 90, Section 16A states that: "No Person shall cause, suffer, allow, or permit the unnecessary operation of the engine of a motor vehicle while said vehicle is stopped for a foreseeable period in excess of five minutes." The law list exemptions and allowable fines for offenses.
Sources:
Lexington, Mass Health Division
Idling Myths:
Myth #1: The engine should be warmed up before driving.
Reality: Idling is not an effective way to warm up your vehicle, even in cold weather. The best way to do this is to drive the vehicle. With today's modern engines, you need no more than 30 seconds of idling on winter days before driving away.
Myth #2: Idling is good for your engine.
Reality: Excessive idling can actually damage your engine components, including cylinders, spark plugs, and exhaust systems. Fuel is only partially combusted when idling because an engine does not operate at its peak temperature. This leads to the build up of fuel residues on cylinder walls that can damage engine components and increase fuel consumption.
Myth #3: Shutting off and restarting your vehicle is hard on the engine and uses more gas
than if you leave it running.
Reality: Frequent restarting has little impact on engine components like the battery and the starter motor. Component wear caused by restarting the engine is estimated to add $10 per year to the cost of driving, money that will likely be recovered several times over in fuel savings from reduced idling. The bottom line is that more than ten seconds of idling uses more fuel than restarting the engine.
Source: Consumer Energy Center
