Resource Conservation in
The New Millennium
Use Wisely, Every Watt Counts!

With the recent energy crisis in California, a mild dry winter in Oregon and a rise in the amount of energy dependent products we depend on, we are all being alerted to the necessity for increased awareness and action on resource conservation issues. These issues seem insurmountable to us as individuals and we are turning to the experts on the grid to solve these problems. The effort must involve all of us, not just the power companies.

We must ask ourselves, do we really need to impact our lives by building new power plants? Would this solve the problem or just prolong the issue? And what about the growing demand for energy? As the population increases and new technology places increasing demand on our resources, will this solve the problem? What is being done AND can individuals really make a difference?

In Oregon, Governor Kitzhaber has been pro-active in attending to energy issues through conservation efforts in all state agencies. These steps have included: reducing building temperatures, prohibiting the use of space heaters in public agencies and reducing lighting after hours in buildings.

In Lane County, much has been done through our power company and institutions to alleviate this problem. Addressing maintenance and efficiency issues, installing light sensors and reducing office temperatures are just a few of the steps that are being taken. But that is only part of the solution.

In reality, all of us contribute to this demand through our own personal use, whether at work, in the community or at home. There are many simple things that individuals can do to help reduce the impact of these issues, while looking towards a future that reduces use, while maximizing the ability for us to continue to live our lives comfortably.

Here's some simple things we can each do that will add up to a great reduction of our impact:
Remember: You've got the power to SHUT IT OFF!

*Shut off needless lights, wherever you go.
*Shut off computer monitors when you leave your desk, shut off computers when you go home for the night. This will not hurt the machine! It will conserve energy even if you have an energy efficient machine. Sleep mode still drains energy.
*Avoid using space heaters, they use 1500 watts/hour, which is more then an air conditioner! Wear warmer clothes to keep yourself comfortable.
*Turn down your hot water heater to 120 degrees. This conserves energy and reduces the risk of scalding yourself. Hot water heaters account for 15-20% of your electric bill.
*Lower the temperature in your home to less then 70 degrees. Turn the heat down to 60 degrees when you're not home. Heating accounts for 50% of your electric bill.
*Conserve water, use what you need. Energy is needed to pump water, besides, water is a precious resource.
*Use weather-stripping to minimize drafts in doorways. This is simple and effective while keeping you warmer!
*Storm windows insulate homes to reduce wasted energy. Putting plastic on windows in the winter is a good inexpensive alternative and helps reduce wasted heat.
*Unplug unused appliances as even when unused, appliances drain energy.
*Avoid washing clothes in hot water.
*Purchase energy efficient appliances that are cost competitive and save you money each month!
*Minimize dryer use, dryers are one of the most energy intensive appliances.
*Repair drafts and leaks. Maintain your home so it can last while conserving our valuable resources.
*Contact EWEB for information on tax breaks and appliance rebates for energy efficient equipment and practices.

And finally, enlist your family members in this effort. Kids need to be aware of this issue and seem to be a difficult audience to reach. Do an energy/water blackout in your house once a week so they can realize that this is a reality unless we take steps to reduce our own consumption.. You can charge kids allowance money for overuse and find creative ways for conservation rewards. Limit your kids to short showers (by turning the hot water heater down they won't have the incentive to stay in the shower!). Help them by modeling resource conservation behavior in your life, you are the best teacher for your family!

CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO USE LESS! It all adds up! Conservation saves valuable resources including our precious environment and our hard earned money. For more information, contact EWEB Energy Management Services (484-1125) or visit their web site at http://www.eweb.org

And remember, use wisely, every watt counts, just as you do.
You CAN make a difference

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