Phantom Energy Use

The average American home is spilling over with appliances--televisions, DVD players, sound systems, kitchen gadgets--the list goes on. All of these appliances are wonderful to have when they are needed, but they can add to a home's power bill even when turned off. Up to 40 percent of the energy these appliances require is used when they are NOT running. While altering the energy requirements of existing appliances is not possible, replacing them with Energy Star models as they wear out will significantly reduce the amount of energy required for a given appliance. Those bearing the logo of Energy Star--a joint program of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U. S. Department of Energy--have been designed to meet strict standards for energy efficiency.

For example, an Energy Star computer monitor uses up to 85 percent less electricity than a standard model. To earn the Energy Star label, a monitor must be designed to run extremely efficiently in On, Sleep, and Off modes. Requiring less power in Sleep and Off modes ensures that the monitor operates cooler and lasts longer. In an average home, using Energy Star office equipment (computer, monitor, printer, fax) could conserve enough electricity to light a home for more than four years.

Lower energy consumption not only means smaller power bills, but also a cleaner environment. The less energy we consume, the less greenhouse gasses are emitted, and the cleaner the air will be. Being mindful of the energy efficiency of any appliance purchased benefits homeowners, business owners, and the community at large.

Paper - Number One

Paper is still the number one material in the solid waste stream. We use a lot of paper everyday--packaging, posters, handouts, flyers, hardcopies of emails. For every 100 pounds of garbage we throw away, 35 pounds is paper. Newspaper takes up about 14 percent of landfill space, and paper in packaging accounts for another 20 percent.

The good news is that paper is recyclable. All paper can be recycled, but some kinds are harder to recycle than others.

Recycling paper saves energy and natural resources. A ton of paper made from recycled content fibers instead of virgin fibers conserves 7000 gallons of water, 17 to 31 trees, 400 KWh of electricity, and 60 pounds of air pollutants.

Paper cannot be recycled over and over again. Eventually the fibers become too weak and short to be used again. Virgin paper fiber is usually mixed with recycled paper when new products are made. Most cardboard boxes are a mixture of 50% new and 50% recycled fibers.