|
Following are a few examples of how you can be more energy efficient and live more eco-consciously, while helping the environment.
Energy Star Appliances & CFL Bulbs
Energy-efficient appliances and CFL bulbs lower energy usage, while saving you money in the long run. Lower energy consumption means less air pollution from power plants. More information at: www.energystar.gov. PG&E Energy Partners Program
The Energy Partners Program provides income-qualified customers free energy education, weatherization measures and energy efficient appliances to reduce gas and electric usage. Call PG&E’s Smarter Energy Line for more information: 1-800-933-9555.
Home Improvements
Installing specific products, such as energy-efficient windows, insulation, doors, metal roofs and heating and cooling equipment in your home is a win-win for you AND the environment. Plus, you can get a federal tax credit of up to $1500* for improvements placed in service in 2009 and 2010. An overview of tax breaks can be found at: www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits. Tankless Water Heaters
Save up to 25% on water heating costs while you enjoy hot water "on demand". Energy Star tankless water heaters also qualify for the federal tax credit*.
Energy Star Labeled Metal Roofs
Reflective roofs reduce the amount of air conditioning needs and can reduce energy bills by up to 50%. Peak cooling demand may be reduced by 10-15% with the right metal roof for your home.
Solar Energy Systems
By going solar, you can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint. Each solar kilowatt hour (kWh) offsets more than a pound of carbon dioxide (CO2). Plus, solar systems are extremely reliable, and produce clean energy from the sun for up to 25 years! Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, with no upper limit through 2016 (for existing homes & new construction). More info can be found at California Solar Initiative: www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov. Hybrid Vehicles
Fuel-efficient vehicles provide many benefit including better gas mileage, which means lower gasoline costs, fewer emissions, and reduced air pollution. Drive green and feel good about it! More info at: www.fueleconomy.gov. Additional energy efficiency information can be found at:
PG&E rebates: www.pge.com
PG&E Flex Your Power site: http://www.fypower.org/res/upgrade/
US Dept. of Energy’s consumers guide to energy efficiency and renewable energy: www.eere.energy.gov
*Subject to a $1,500 maximum per homeowner for all improvements combined.
Additional resources for sustainable living:
LOCAL
Butte College: www.butte.edu/sustainability
Butte County Guide to Recycling: www.recyclebutte.net
CSUC, Chico: www.csuchico.edu/sustainablefuture
Paradise Grange No. 490
5704 Chapel Dr. (across Pearson from Museum), Paulette (Grange Secretary): 876-8907, www.paradisegrange.com
Northern Recycling & Waste Services: www.paradiserecycles.com
NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL
Alliance for a New Humanity: www.anhglobal.org
Green Living Tips: www.greenlivingtips.com
Ideal Bite (Green Living): www.idealbite.com
Mother Earth News: www.motherearthnews.com
Safe pesticide application: ApplyResponsibly.org
Teens Turning Green: www.teensturninggreen.org
The Story of Stuff: www.thestoryofstuff.com
|
