Hello! My name is Pamela Vivanco. Each week I will present one basic sustainable practice. Some will only serve as reminders and some might be methods that you and I have never even considered! The goal of my column is to re-emphasize the sustainable efforts that have been made by many members of the SUNY New Paltz community. With the help of environmentally-friendly friends and experts, I hope to provide tips and sources toward becoming better friends with our earth.
Sustainable Solution: Aside from reducing and preventing waste, reducing energy consumption is also extremely important. Aside from saving money, we can all make less of a negative impact on our environment.
So, why is energy conservation important?
“Because of the limited amount of nonrenewable energy sources on Earth, it is important to conserve our current supply or to use renewable sources so that our natural resources will be available for future generations. Energy conservation is also important because consumption of nonrenewable sources impacts the environment. Specifically, our use of fossil fuels contributes to air and water pollution.” – Environmental Protection Agency
Below are only a few tips on ways that we can conserve energy on and off-campus.
1. Whenever possible, walk or bike to where you need to go. Car pool or use mass transit.
2. Be sure to turn off the light if you’re not in the room.
3. Turn your television off if you’re not watching it.
4. Keep your computers off if you’re not using them.
5. Unplug devices from electrical outlets – Some devices can still draw power even if they are turned off. For example, cell phone chargers.
6. Avoid using the elevator and use the stairs if you are only going up a couple of flights up. Or just don’t use it at all especially if you’re going down.
7. Buy energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs for your most-used lights.
8. Instead of drying your clothes in the dryer, air dry your clothes on a laundry line when it’s warm out.
9.If you have the money, buy energy-efficient appliances.
10. Don’t waste water. Keep your showers short. Ten minutes does the job. Turn the water faucet off while you brush your teeth.
For more information on why energy consevation is important, go to www.epa.gov.