Energy

Saving energy is good for the planet, and good for your wallet.

Energy allows mobility, growth, adaptability and development. Access to reliable energy allows children to study after dark, families to heat their homes and refrigerate their food, medical staff to perform life-saving procedures, and businesses to grow and expand. Using energy wisely and choosing renewable energy options is important for our own well-being as well as the health of our planet.

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Choose LED Bulbs

I will replace (___) incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Energy Star: Light Bulbs

Switching to LED Lighting: the Health, Financial and Environmental Benefits
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Adjust the Thermostat

I will adjust my thermostat down 2 degrees from usual when I use the heat, and up 2 degrees when I use air conditioning.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Adjust Your Thermostat by Two Degrees

8 Mistakes People Make With Their Programmable Thermostat
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DAILY ACTION
Choose Clean/Renewable Energy

I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

UN Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Drawdown: Electricity Generation
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Support Resilient Powergrids

A community can be brought to its knees without dependable power, often affecting the most vulnerable. I will write (___) letter(s) or email(s) per day to a public official or company to advocate for a more resilient power grid (e.g. microgrids, solar+storage).
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Solar and Energy Storage Can Protect Cities from Power Outages, Create Resilient Communities

Using Energy Storage to Improve Public Health in Disadvantaged Communities

The 4 Main Pillars of Enhancing Utility Grid Resilience
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DAILY ACTION
Power Down the Computer

I will power down my computer and monitor when not using it for more than 2 hours, saving up to (1.1) lbs of CO2 each day that I do this.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Smarter House: Shrink Your Dorm Footprint

Will Turning Off My Monitor Save Energy?
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DAILY ACTION
Online Energy Audit

I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Energy Star: Home Energy Audits

Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audits

Energy efficiency scavenger hunt - Ameren
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Turn it off

I will keep lights, electronics, and appliances turned off when not using them.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Slay Energy Vampires and Save

Smarter House: Shrink Your Dorm Footprint
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DAILY ACTION
Switch to Cold Water

I will switch to washing my clothes in cold water, saving up to 133 lbs of CO2 a month and 1,600 lbs of CO2 over the course of the next year.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Cold Water Saves
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Replace Manual Thermostats

I will replace manual thermostats with programmable ones.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTATS; DO THEY REALLY SAVE MONEY?

Drawdown Solution: Smart Thermostats
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Use an Energy Meter

I will use an energy meter to monitor my energy use and identify opportunities to save power.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Best Home Energy Monitors in 2020

Kill A Watt
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Heat and Cool Naturally

I will naturally heat and cool my house, office, or dorm room by opening or closing my windows, curtains, and blinds, and by using fans.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Smarter House: Shrink Your Dorm Footprint

24 Tricks to Survive Hot Summer Nights (without AC)
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DAILY ACTION
Upgrade My Windows

I will upgrade the windows or weatherstripping in my home or office to reduce air leaks and save on energy costs.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Energy Star: Why Seal and Insulate?

Energy Star: Sealing Behind Window and Door Trim
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Donate to or Volunteer for Low-Income Solar Initiatives

Whether it's by donating or volunteering, I will research the benefits of low-income solar and find out how I can support low-income solar initiatives in my area.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Short Film: Powering Communities

Organization: Grid Alternatives

SolutionsU Collection: The Solar Revolution
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Organize a Course

I will organize one of Ecochallenge.org's discussion courses, such as Powering a Bright Future, with classmate, friends, co-workers, or family.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Powering a Bright Future
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Learn About Renewable Energy

I will spend (___) minutes learning more about renewable energy alternatives (i.e. solar, wind, biomass) in my region.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Drawdown Solutions: Electricity Generation

SolutionsU Collection: Electricity Generation Climate Solution
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ONE-TIME ACTION
CREATE A CUSTOM ACTION

Ideally, you’ll choose at least one measurable goal so that you can measure your success but there are no limits on what you can choose—so exercise your creativity!

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