2009: Year of the Green Makeover

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The Big Three are doing it.  The world's biggest food buyers are doing it. Even Walmart is doing it.  But are you doing it?  Make 2009 your year for a green makeover.  (Part 1)

Will you be making a New Year's resolution for 2009?    Let's consider reality. New Year's resolutions have the half life of a fruit fly.  So this year why not do something a bit different.  How about a green make-over?  Nothing extreme, just a few changes here and there.  Enough to feel proud about your contribution to the environment and leaving the planet in better shape.   Now let's get started! Ecological Footprint First, if you don't already know, it might be a good idea to learn the difference between your carbon footprint and your ecological footprint.  The concepts are slightly different.  And once you have made this distinction then the next step is to do a self-assessment.  There are plenty of simplified assessment tools to give you an idea where you stand with your lifestyle.  Carbon Versus Ecological Footprint.  Energy Efficiency Let's start the green makeover by looking for ways to improve your home energy use.  The top three energy consuming gadgets in a typical home are  (in order):  Playstation or other video game controller, plasma TV and PC.  It may be difficult to combat the top two contributors (playstation and plasma TV) other than buy a different type of TV and turn off the video games.  An alternative is to recycle the kids but that only works if they are the ones playing the video games.  Here are tips for reducing power consumption of your home PC.   Refrigerators are another big power hog.  When you buy a new fridge make sure it is an ENERGY STAR model with an energy saver switch.  Here are some other refrigerator tips:  Refrigerators and Energy Efficiency. Heating water accounts for up to 20% of your household energy costs. Find out what you should and shouldn't do to improve your household hot water management.  Water Heater,  In Hot Water. OK - so we've accounted for many of the large power hogs.  But did you know that many electronic components draw power even when they are not being used?  Doesn't it seem like a good idea to search for these wasteful devices?  Home Electronics. How about battery chargers and AC/DC power converters?  These might be a problem too.   Battery Chargers,  External AC/DC Power Adapters. Now if you really want to go the extra nine yards with home energy efficiency there are things you can do with your house.  Your neighbors will be pretty impressed with your new found environmental enthusiasm as well!  Green Buildings Redefined. This is the end of Part 1.  Stay tuned for more make-over tips.

Comments

[Melinda]

Hi Steve--it's good to see you post a broadcast, encouraging us to visit your blog! These are all great tips. I was raised by an environmentally aware mother so I am already a fanatic about being ecologically responsible. It's time the rest of the world caught up! Good advice here--I hope everyone makes it here.

Melinda

[Adam Shake]

Excellent article, moving in to the new year my friend. Looks like you've got the priories straight (as usual) Thanks for the article, and keep up the good fight!

Adam

[peter george]

Great article!!! 2009 is going to be the year for me and my company. My mission is to get all plastic and paper disposables to be banned and the use of greener options more available. I think if everyone makes themselves a little mission for this year we could really do something and make a change!

www.thewholeleafco.com

[Thorne]

Good stuff, MC. Say "Hi" to Elvis for me. (Don't worry- your secret is safe with me!)
Seriously, what a great blog. Linking you and I'll be back!