the Earth Z Our Energy Waste |s Polluting Our Planet , Fossil Fuels and Climate Change Our earth is surrounded by a blanket of gases that acts like a giant greenhouse to keep us warm. Unfortunately, our use offossilfuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, has contributed an excess of carbon dioxide and other green- house gases to our atmosphere. Many scien- tists fear that greenhouse gases will warm the atmosphere and drastically alter world weather patterns. If we continue to use energy atour currentrate, experts predict an increase of three to nine degrees Fahrenheitinthe Earth's temperature over the next 50 years. Although that may seem small, consider that the temperature has risen only about seven degrees since the last Ice Age when huge glaciers covered much of the United States. - º ſ *}^*_ tº sº ireenhouse Gases º º grap Heat {\ * T 'Planet To reduce greenhouse gases we must con- serve energy in our homes and automobiles. We must all work together today, before it is too late, to leave a healthy planet for future generations. UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN LIBRARIES º VN º -- § Climate Change in the Midwest Climate change caused by greenhouse gases could substantially affect our Region. Rainfall patterns could change, damaging Crops and forests. The level and shoreline of Our Great Lakes will be altered and nearby Coastal wetlands will be affected. Our waste- ful use of energy also contributes to air pollution problems such as low-level ozone, Smog, and acid rain. The average family's energy use generates over 11,200 lbs. of atmospheric pollutants each year. The good news is that we, as individuals, can reduce this pollution. Saving Energy e Helps protect the environment • Saves you money e Strengthens your local economy • Helps our Nation become energy independent 10 Steps to Save Energy UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN 390.1507390 4628 Stop Air Leaks In winter, air leaks robyour house of heat and can make it too dry. In summer, air leaks can make your house too humid and drive up air conditioning bills. As much as 40% of your heating Ž and cooling costs can be due to º air leaks. 2 Insulate Your Home Insulating the ceiling, walls, and floor of your home will cut energy waste, lower utility bills, and improve comfort. If there is less than 6 inches (R-19) of ceiling insulation, bring ceiling insulationlevels up to aminimum of 10 inches (R-30). Before insulating, be sure to seal air leaks between the house and attic. Adding insulation to outside wall cavities can reduce heat flow and air leaks. Consult with a knowledgeable professional about blowing insulation into the wall Cavities. Install insulation between floor joists and place a plastic ground Cover over bare earth under- neath your home to reduce moisture in the crawl space. 3 Seal and Insulate Ducts Many homes lose between 10–30% of their heated and cooled air through duct leaks. Duct leaks can also be a source of harmful dust, mold, excess humidity, and toxins such as pesticides, combustion byproducts and radon. Have a knowledgeable professional check your home for duct leakage. Seal leaks with a permanent sealant such as duct mastic. 4 Cut Hot Water Bills Hotwatercosts can be over $400ayearfortheaverage family. Simple conservation measures canoſtentrimthatbill by 30%. Wrap an insulation jacket around the water heater. Also insulate hot and cold water pipes nearest the tank. Set the water heater tempera- ture at 120° to 140°Fahrenheit (Low to Medium). This saves energy and reduces the risk of scalding. Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. These provide a forceful spray, yet reduce the water wasted down the drain. 5 Tighten Up Windows In winter, windowslet heat out; in summer, they letsunlight and heat inside. Stop air leaks around the edges of windows and doors by caulking the trim to the wall, then installing weatherstripping. Adding storm windows over single- pane windows further reduces heat loss. Be certain to weatherize the primary windows before adding storms. Storm doors are not generally recommended for energy savings. 6 Shade Your Home Shading the outside of a housekeeps it cooler in summer, saving on air conditioning costs. Shading windows is especially im- portant. Consider using a trellis, awning, or sunscreen. Sunscreens, similar to insect screening, have a special weave that blocks sunlight. They are ideal for shading east, south, and west windows. Closing curtains and shades during summer days will also keep your house cooler. ...and Reduce Pollution A tree can reduce the need for air conditioning by keeping your house shaded and by cooling the suſ- rounding air through evaporation of moisture. Trees absorbatmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2)—as much as 30 pounds per tree each year. Deciduous trees shade Summer sun, and in winter drop their leaves and allow sunlight to warm the house. Trees help save energy, protect the environment, provide homes for wildlife, and increase property values. 7 Buy Efficient Appliances – An energy efficient appliance may cost more to buy, but its energy savings will quickly repay the extra cost. Energy efficient appliances also give off less waste heat, which will keep your home cooler in Summer. --- - -- EMERGYGUIDE Use the Energy Guide label to choose an appliance that is energy efficient. 8 Trim Lighting Costs While lighting costs for homes are usually less thanforneating, Cooling, and hot water, you can still cut energy waste. Incandescent lighting is not efficient. Use fluorescent lights wherever possible in areas where general lighting is needed, such as kitchens, family rooms, and baths. A compact fluorescent is a special light bulb that screws into many incandes- cent sockets, but which can last 10 times longer, save over $40 in electricity costs, and eliminate 500 pounds of atmospheric pollutants. Outside security lighting can be expensive Two 150-watt floodlights cost over $60 more each year to operate than an energy efficient high pressure sodium outdoor light and provide less lighting. 9 Heat and Cool Wisely Keeping your heating and cooling equipment serviced, and operating it properly saves energy and extends its life. Programmable thermostats automatically adjust the temperature setting and can save you energy and money. Choose a model which suits your lifestyle and particular heating and cooling equipment. When you have to replace equipment, select energy effi- cient models that are the correct size for your home. Consult your local utility or state energy office for guidelines. I () Save Energy on the Road The average American automobile spews its weight in pollutants into the atmosphere each year. More than 80% of autotravel is for trips of less than 3 miles. Walk, ride a bicycle, use mass transit, and group errands to minimize driving. Auto emissions account for about 60% of air pollution in our cities – drive less and save our air. Keep your auto properly tuned and its tires inflated to reduce pollution and save fuel. When your auto air conditioner is serviced, insist that the mechanic recycles the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used for the refrigerant – release of CFCs into the atmosphere contributes to the depletion of the earth's protective ozone layer. When buying a new automobile, choose a fuel efficient model. Over its life, a car that achieves 35 miles per gallon will save around $3,000 and 30tons of pollution compared with a model that gets 18 miles per gallon. Every gallon of gas you save prevents 20 pounds of CO2 from polluting the planet. Your Planet Protection Plan Checklist Cut your home's energy waste by following these steps. Remember — saving energy saves money and helps stop pollution. The Dollar Sign ($) represents estimated savings for an average home. Start with those measures that offerthe greatest savings ($$$$). Your savings may vary, so check with a knowledgeable professional. 1. STOP AIR LEAKs $ $ $ $ [] Weatherstrip and insulate attic door D Cover whole house fan when not in use D Put dampers or covers on fireplaces D Seal openings for plumbing, wiring, and CuCtwork D Install gaskets behind coverplates for electrical Switches and Outlets 2. INSULATE YOUR HOME $ $ $ $ D. Add attic insulation iſ there is less than 6 inches (R-19) present D Insulate walls if no insulation is present [ ] Insulate floors Over unheated areas 3. SEALAND INSULATE $ $ $ $ AIR DUCTS D Seal air leaks inforced-air heating and cooling ductwork - D Insulate supply and return ducts D Undercutinterior doors for proper air circulation 4. CUT HOT WATER BILLs $ $ $ [T] Wrap water heater with insulation jacket D Set hot water temperature at low or medium (120-140°F) D Instal water-saving showerheads and faucet aerators D Fix plumbing leaks promptly 5. IMPROVE window $ $ EFFICIENCY [I] Caulk window and door trim D Instal weatherstripping on drafty windows and doors D. Add storm windows to single-glazed windows (other side for Steps 6–10) 6. SHADE YOUR HOME * $ $ $ D Shade windows with SunSCreenS, awnings or trellises [I] Close interior Curtains and blinds in summer to block sunlight D Plant deciduous trees to shade the west, east and south sides of your home BUY EFFICIENT APPLIANCES $ $ D Use EnergyGuide tag to compare energy use when shopping for new appliances D Clean refrigerator coils to increase efficiency and protect the motor [...] Operate dishwasher, clothes washer, and dryer only when full and use energy saver settings TRIM LIGHTING COSTS $ $ D Use compact fluorescent bulbs for incandescent lights used over 4 hours each day D Use energy efficient exterior lighting D Switch lights off when not needed HEAT AND COOL WISELY $ $ $ D Cleanor replace filters each month that furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump is in use D Service equipment regularly Install a programmable or set back thermostat [...] Replace inefficient heating and cooling equip- ment with high efficiency models 10. SAVE ENERGY ON THE ROAD ss ss D Maintain proper tire pressure Keep your auto's engine tuned D Recycle used motor oil and air conditioner refrigerants D Minimize driving, use mass transit, and buy fuel efficient vehicles PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER Send us your Planet Protection Plan! Mail this postage-paid card telling us what steps you've taken to cut energy waste. We'll send you a Planet Protection window decal that shows your commitment to protecting our planet. (Please check the measures you are taking) Already Will Does Not Done Do Apply 1. Stop Air Leaks D. [T] [I] 2. Insulate My Home D D D 3. Cut Hot Water Bills [I] [I] [I] 4. Seal and Insulate Ducts D D D 5. Improve Window Efficiency [I] D D 6. Shade My Home [] [ ] [T] 7. Buy Efficient Appliances [I] [ ] [] 8. Trim Lighting Costs [I] [I] [I] 9. Heat and Cool Wisely [I] [I] [I] 10. Save Energy on the Road [] [I] [T] I pledge to take these steps to cut energy waste in my home and car. I realize that these actions will help to protect the planet and save money as well. Signature (Fill in the information below. Please print) Name Address City State Zip Phone Return this postage-paid card to receive your Planet Protection decal For More Information To learn more about saving energy in your home, contact your state energy office or local utility. Many communities also have nonprofit organizations which offer energy education programs. For information on climate change and saving energy, contact: &\ &EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 Air Toxics and Radiation Branch 77 West Jackson Boulevard Chicago, IL 60604 1-800-621-8431 Region 5: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin Keep Your Indoor Environment Healthy, Too! Inside your home can be as polluted as outdoors. Learn to properly handle toxic chemicals such as paints, solvents, pesticides and cleaners. If you have concerns about indoor air pollution, Call the EPA at 1-800-438–4318 You should also consider testing your home for radon, which is a colorless, odorless radioac- tive gas that occurs naturally in the soil and is the leading cause of lung cancer in people who do not smoke. Testing your home for radon is easy and inexpensive. If you have concerns about radon, call the EPA at 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236). This brochure was prepared by The Southface Energy Institute P.O. Box 5506 Atlanta, Georgia 30307 404/525-7657 Printed on Recycled Paper I'm doing my part. Here's my Planet Protection Plan! | | | | NO POSTAGE NECESSARY |F MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 12833 ATLANTA, GEORGIA POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE Southface Energy Institute P.O. BOX 5506 Atlanta, Georgia 30307-9983