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Over the last five years, the United States has experienced a tremendous increase in the usage of solar energy as an alternative renewable energy resource. In 2013, the number of solar installations increased by 42% from 2012 and comprised 29% of all new electrical installations, an increase from the 10% reported in 2012 by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). The years preceding continued the trend as 2015 saw a 30% increase from 2014 and an additional $18 billion invested into solar energy technology.
Here we are, at the start of a new year. Already half of January has gone by, and winter is starting to establish its grip in Montreal. Despite temperatures dropping below zero, snow and freezing ice pouring down on us, it is still possible to think about the environment. We can start this New Year by having an eco-friendly winter. All that needs being done is changing a few common winter habits.
Habit: Starting your car/idling
“Solarize” campaigns are a growing grassroots movement to bring the benefits of solar energy to residential communities through collective purchasing agreements. The Solarize movement began in one neighborhood in Portland, Oregon, in 2009 and has now spread to more than 150 communities throughout Portland and across Oregon and the rest of the United States. Even in areas not traditionally considered “sunny” like the Pacific Northwest and the Northeast, residential solar installations have become an increasingly popular energy source.
Did you know that the average washing machine in America uses about 41 gallons of water per load and is the second largest water user in a typical household? Between the water used for washing machines and electricity used for energy-intensive dryers, laundry accounts for a total of 847,445 million gallons of water, 241 thousand GWh of electricity, and 179 million metric tons of CO2-e emissions in the U.S. each year.
Each load of laundry produces a huge carbon footprint:
One of the important steps in combating climate change is reducing our electric consumption. Reducing power consumption should strive to reduce devices energy use or simply reduce the time items are consuming electricity ( Floyd and Webber 1998, 1.97). The good news is using less electricity might be much easier than you think.
Green New Years resolutions can be significant. Here is how my family goes about it. First my husband and I have to agree on the goal. Since we are a household, it does no good if I say that we are going to stop using paper towels when my husband will just go and buy more. If it is something that needs to be accomplished together then it’s time to call a family meeting. Once we all agreed on a goal we make sure it is not so big that we never get around to it. So let's say my goal is to reduce the household carbon footprint by 20%. On first look, I don't even know what that means, let alone how to go about doing it, this goal needs to be scaled back in doable steps. In January, my goal might be to list the quickest, easiest things we can change.
Now everyone can fight climate change. Together our small changes will have a huge impact. Join our community today and get free updates on how you can fight climate change everyday!
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