By Dennis Powell, e-Management
The politics around global warming ain’t pretty. 
All jokes aside, being more conscious of our energy consumption and searching for cleaner forms of energy are not liberal, moderate, or conservative ways of thinking. Energy efficiency, conservation, and renewal forms of energy are global considerations and perhaps better ways of doing things to ensure a more ideal future.
The EPA says energy efficiency saves us money!
Why?
- Energy efficiency is good for the environment! As many of you know, e-Management supports causes and campaigns that focus on education, energy, and the elimination of poverty. Currently, we are wrapping up yet another successful ENERGY STAR campaign for 2013-2014. A voluntary program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ENERGY STAR has had a real impact on reducing “significant” greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the pledges and actions of millions of people. Why is this important? Well, excessive greenhouse gases may lead to significant increases in temperature, which could result in more severe weather conditions including more frequent and destructive storms, as well as longer and harsher droughts.
- Energy efficiency is good for business! Energy efficiency leads to a better economy according to the EPA. How? The Alliance to Save Energy points to hundreds of thousands of jobs that have been created through energy-efficient building projects and the new jobs that are being created from innovations developed to improve energy consumption and efficiency.
- Energy efficiency saves you tons of money! Taking energy conservation seriously can save you tons of money. Did you know ENERGY STAR appliances can help American households cut electricity costs by nearly a third? Additionally, getting rid of conventional incandescent light bulbs can help you save up to 80% in energy costs, according to the Alliance to Save Energy.
- Energy efficiency could save lives. Livescience, an online tech and science publication with more than 8 million readers, report that reducing greenhouse gas emissions “could prevent up to 3 million premature deaths annually by the year 2100.” Those figures are based in part due to low air pollutants, which may lead to serious illnesses.
Becoming an “energy star.”
According to the EPA, energy efficiency reduces concerns around “the challenges of high energy prices, energy security and independence, air pollution, and global climate change.” Becoming an “energy star”—doing your part by being more energy conscious—is one of the best contributions you can leave for future generations. So, (1) are you concerned about issues around energy creation, consumption, or the impact energy has on the environment? (2) What policies, if any, would you enact when it comes to energy? Finally, (3) do you have any energy saving tips to share?
Tags: blog, conservation, Dennis Powell, , energy efficiency, ENERGY STAR, EPA, Ola Sage, renewable
1. I am very concerned about energy issues on our planet. I believe that we need to make people aware of this issue because it is pressing and has important implications for the survivability of our planet and the quality of life for future generations. In all of the courses I teach each semester, I manage to include energy use as one of my themes. I show the students the science behind energy creation, how it is used and the long and short term impacts of its use. I don’t bludgeon them with data. I give them enough for them to draw preliminary conclusions and seek answers for themselves. 2. I would enact a policy that focuses upon the development of mass transportation as the primary mode of transportation in cities and stop giving priority to the personal vehicle. This would involve giving a bigger budget to improving public transportation and raising the price of gasoline so that motorist would pay the real price of owning and operating a vehicle. This would reduce the amounts of internal combustion engines on our roads which saves lots of energy and ultimately the planet. 3. Energy saving tips: Turn off the main feed to your heater in the house and turn it on only when you need some hot water. Do more walking and less driving. Use the stairs and avoid as much as possible the escalators and elevators. Purchase foods as much as possible from local food growers and this would cut down on the amount of fuel used to transport the goods from far distances. Get rid of all incandescent lights and replace with LED or Fluorescent bulbs .
Thank you for this article! YES!!! I want to be a STAR!
As a matter of fact, I already AM, or should I say, the TV’s, Appliances, and Lighting in my home are! I am EXTREMELY concerned with the amount of strain that we humans put on OUR planet and for what and to what end? WE all have a responsibility to at least TRY to conserve our resources (both fossil fuels as well as natural sources of energy) and it goes without saying, we NEED to protect our land and not destroy the planet for the sake of obtaining MORE fossil fuels. Over the past decade, we have heard and used the term “Global Warming” and even though we have had some brutal winters (which by the way has EVERYTHING to do with the way the earth is responding to OUR activities) and EXTREMELY Hot Summers with little to NO spring and/or fall seasons. More earthquakes and Tsunamis, not to forget the increase in Hurricanes and general devastation due to unusual weather events (kind of like 8-10 inches of Snow in March-April). Even if you don’t believe that MAN can cause these events in any way, why not just go along and conserve our energy in the off chance that our actions directly impact the longevity of the human species on this planet that we call EARTH! Thank you for the tips/tricks/general energy saving Best Practices! We should ALL be STARS!
One thing I’ve always wondered about was why companies, especially in big office buildings, leave on their lights over night. I know it makes the skyline look more appealing, but we all should be doing our part to conserve energy. At home, I know that I have to be better. But, I do catch myself wondering why I left on a light in the bedroom when I’m not in there. Now is the time to start thinking about being more efficient with energy and not when there is a shortage.
I would love to be a STAR! I am extremely concerned about the environment and try very hard to manage my electricity usage and recycel as much as possible. I am striving to do more and appreciate this article. Thanks Dennis
Thanks again for an informative article. (1) I am concerned about energy creation, consumption and impact. (2) Before I would enact any policies, I would want to see some research and information on the impact. A lot of policies we have enacted have not been for the best interest of people, but of big business. (3) And honestly, I don’t have any great energy suggestions except to examine what it is you do on a daily basis and see if there are ways to do it with less. Cutting down on excess is always good.
Thank you for this, Dennis Powell. I am sure that we have all heard about many different ways to increase our energy efficiency, but… I have the impression that it has almost become a relaxed topic for distracted conversations than something we actually engage in on a daily basis. We tend to take for granted and to expect somebody else to “do something”.
I love the way you presented this issue in your article, as it is simple, straight to the point, and absolutely practical: we all can do something -even a little something. And that something will surely make a difference -in so many ways.
Thank you for the reminder: I sure needed it!
@Roxanne, you are most welcome. I agree with you that every bit counts. For me, the issues around energy conservation and energy efficiency are simple. I grew up in a family and communities where conversation was always a consideration. Thank you for stopping by and supporting our blog once again.
@Brian, policy always seems to be the issue when it comes to energy. There are so many players; it’s hard to get to the truth. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
@Tyrone, thanks for your enthusiastic response.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with energy efficiency. I also agree you that even if people reject “global warming” theory, why are they also sunning the need for smarter energy sources and general conservation practices?
@Freda, I like you, take my energy consumption very seriously. I even turn off lights in the office areas where no one is in need of light. I guess “good habits” are also hard to break. Thanks for supporting our blog.
@Dwayne,
Great points…
In the United States, buildings account for:
39 percent of total energy use
12 percent of the total water consumption
68 percent of total electricity consumption
38 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions (Source: EPA)
Those numbers are incredible. The good news is that more and more buildings are going green. In fact, there are quite a few hotels that have green initiatives in place.
@Keith, thank you for sharing how you incorporate energy into your classes. Your tips are right on the mark. Regarding policy, I agree we need smarter transportation systems in urban and suburban areas.
Dennis, thank you clearly illustrating how it’s possible and easy it is, for everyone to becoming a STAR. This short, yet informative article clearly lays out the importance of why we all need to be concerned and how easy it is, to also change. Well done!!!
@Kyle, It really is easy to support conservation/energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR is a great start for anyone who is uncertain about the best way to go. Thank you Kyle for your support.
I believe our biggest problem is over consumption. Most people don’t realize how much energy is used to produce the products they buy or what it takes to get them to your door. I try to live a minimalistic life style. When I’m in a store, I stop and ask myself is this a need or a want. I am the queen of putting things back. I try to keep clothes looking good as long as possible fels-naptha bar laundry soap will take out most grass or oil stains. I hang my clothes out to dry instead of using a dryer. I’m not above patching a pair of pants. I hand sew patches while I watch TV. I wearing a pair right now. A fashion faux pas, no it is called being unique. If you use a pocket from a worn out pair it adds tons of character to them. I started my little home garden last week. I used a 2 liter bottles that I cut the bottom off of them filled with dirt added seeds and put the top back on instant greenhouse. I collect rain water for my plants. Turn my TV off all the time and listen to music on my phone instead of cranking the stereo and turning on the equalizer and all the power for the speakers I use headphones. I read a lot on my phone but my kindle app. Is adjusted to the black screen and turned all the way down. You don’t have to do a lot to make a big change. You don’t need to keep up with the Jones instead show the Jones’s a new way by using and buying less. As parents, we need to instill that in our children. A few weeks ago I went over to a neighbors house their grown son came in left the door open. The AC was on I closed the door then he went to the frig. And open the door and walked away. The parents said nothing. I apologizes to them and then went mama all over him. They thought it was funny. I left because I was about to get mean and nasty with this grown child. I called my daughter to calm me down. Oh no he didn’t; what is wrong with people today was her response.
@Stacey, thank you for sharing your story. There are a lot of great tips in your response for reducing our consumption.
(1) are you concerned about issues around energy creation, consumption, or the impact energy has on the environment?
Yes I am very concerned about energy issues and the effect it has on the environment. As both a homeowner and a mother of two sons, these issues not only affect my finances but also the future of my family. I live in an older home with windows that need to be replaced, but at this time, we just don’t have the money to invest in it, which causes my energy bill to be higher, so it’s a vicious cycle. And I want my boys to be able to live as adults in a world where there environment hasn’t been so muddled by the consumption of my generation that they can’t enjoy the simple beauty of it.
(2) What policies, if any, would you enact when it comes to energy?
I would definitely give a bigger financial break to those people who do things to conserve energy. I have been secretly jealous of people who have solar panels in their homes, because I know that would have a positive impact on my household budget.
(3) do you have any energy saving tips to share?
I would definitely say investing in energy star appliances is the best way to see a quick, direct impact on your budget. My husband and I replaced our dishwasher and washing machine in the past two years and the difference they both have made is amazing! Not to mention my washing machine is a front-loader so my youngest has been helping me with laundry since he was two (he’s closer to the drum), and now separates, loads and starts the washing machine all on his own!
Thank you for this enlightening article. We all have a personal responsibility to be more active Shining STARS. Reducing our Carbon Footprint entails making some simple changes. From how we travel, use electricity/fuels in our homes and workplaces to where we purchase our groceries and reducing waste by recycling. If we continue to abuse our planet, there will not be a future home for our future generations. We are literally devastating our planet by this constant overload and irresponsible use of its natural resources .. We want a healthy planet, a sustainable planet. We need to show more thought and care to Mother Earth. The climate changes are frightening, nature in response to human consumption. If we all make conscientious changes it WILL make a difference.
I, personally, agree with many of the points made here. I know there are other countries that have put real effort into renewable energy sources, and without trying to make this about politics, I have to wonder why the great United states of America aren’t pioneering these efforts. There’s too much money and power in oil…and I fear that will be the reason; we won’t get to realize many of the benefits mentioned here.. .
We are partial STARS. The reason for this is because we rent and the refrigerator, stove and heating/ cooling units that came with the duplex are from the 80’s. However, our appliances that we have purchased….washer, dryer, dishwasher, televisions, freezer etc. are all STARS! Climate changes are scary, but there is something that we can do about it if we act now! This article was very informative as well as enlightening.
Great article, I am all for energy efficiency, this past winter alone should make everyone see the importancy how greenhouse gases has affected the climate. The storms have been really severe. My agency has many resources to try to conserve energy, when the government saves on energy everybody saves. I try to have many measures to try to conserve energy in my own habitat. Going forward I would like to see more energy efficient measures for the everyday person. Start by making more energy efficient cars more affordable to the lower and middle class familes. We as a country still depend on gasoline and it will save everyone across. Just my two cents
@Kevin, I agree with you the hybrid and all electric cars are out of the reach of Americans who want to keep in cost of car ownership low. I would also say energy efficient cars ought to perform better than conventional cars. Thank you for stopping and sharing your thought as well as your agency’s commitment to conservation.
@Cecelia, it is great to see you and your family making an effort to save resources through the purchase of more energy efficient appliances. Every little bit helps. Thanks for stopping by.
@Tiffany, let’s hope oil companies are putting some of those MEGA-profit dollars toward renewal energy research and development (R&D). Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
@Karim, great comment. I agree, “conscientious changes” are key to better future.
@LaTanya, You are absolutely on point. ENERGY STAR appliances really helps to save dollars and energy. Plus, most of the gadgets I have been better than older (less energy efficient) models. So for me, the transition to ENERGY STAR products has been WIN-WIN. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your story.