I hope you and yours are doing well. I've been busy but happy, thanks be to God! I'll be sharing tips and tidbits on how we can practice sustainability in our everyday life and be environmentally-responsible with my series called "My Green Maryland." For today, I'll be sharing five ways we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our home. Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, which make our planet Earth warmer, are called greenhouse gases. These gases include: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases.
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| Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson |
[1] Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Reducing, reusing, and recycling in your home helps conserve energy and reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from resource extraction, manufacturing, and disposal. If you don't already know or are unsure, find out if there is a recycling program in your community and start practicing it in your home. If there's no program available, engage and encourage folks in your neighborhood to start one. Be the change you want to see. Recycling is something my mother has always instilled in me from a young age, and I'm proud to be a resident of a county such as Montgomery County that has a program that caters to this practice. Practice the 3Rs in your home by recycling your newspapers, beverage containers, paper, and other goods.
[2] Use Water Efficiently
Did you know a leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons of water per day? It takes lots of energy to pump, treat, and heat water, so saving water reduces greenhouse gas emissions. 3% of the nation's energy is used to pump and treat water so conserving water conserves energy that reduces greenhouse gas pollution. Reduce the amount of waste you generate and the water you consume whenever possible. Practice simple water-saving actions such as: not letting the water run while shaving or brushing teeth; taking shorter showers; save money by using products with the WaterSense label; and repair all toilet and faucet leaks right away. Running your dishwasher only with a full load can save 100 pounds of carbon dioxide and $40 per year.
[3] Green Yard Practice
Composting your food and yard waste reduces the amount of garbage that you send to landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Only water your lawn or landscape when needed, and do it during the coolest part of the day; early morning is best.
[4] Heat and Cool Smartly
Heating and cooling accounts for almost half your energy bill (about $1,000 a year). You can decrease this cost with simple practices such as changing air filters regularly and properly using a programmable thermostat. Having your heating and cooling equipment maintained annually can save energy, while helping to protect the environment. Depending on where you live, you can cut your annual energy bill by more than $200 by replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with ENERGY STAR-qualified equipment.
[5] Seal and Insulate
Reduce air leaks and stop drafts by using caulk, weather stripping, and insulation to seal your home's envelope and add more insulation to your attic to block out heat and cold. By being a knowledgeable homeowner or skilled contractor, you can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs and significantly enhance home comfort with comprehensive sealing and insulating measures.
[Bonus] Spread the Word
Tell your family and friends that energy efficiency is good for their homes and good for the environment because it lowers greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Share this information and practices with folks in your circle, and together we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our homes.
Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Earth Maryland 2015
Continuing the legacy of beauty and responsibility
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