Family Home Energy Audit

10/10/10 “350″ Family Home Energy Audit

350 is the most important number in the world—it’s what scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Here are some tips on how a Modern Family can reduce it’s carbon footprint this fall,

1. Compact fluorescent bulbs vs. Incandescent bulbs- CFLs save 50-75%

2. Front load washer vs. Top load washer- front loaders use 50-75% less water and 50% less energy

3. Battery powered mower vs. Gas powered mower- the pollution from one hour running a gas powered lawn mower equals 4 hours of a running car

4. Gas or solar dryer vs. Electric dryer- gas dryer saves 50% of energy costs-clotheslines save 100%

5. Farmers market produce vs. conventional store bought produce- farmers market produce supports local economy and farmers, plus less petroleum fueled transportation used for distribution

6. Hybrid Car vs. Gasoline car- hybred reduces gas consumption by 50-75%

7. Native plantings vs. Traditional landscape- native plantings use 50% less water and reduce mowing which is a major polluter and gas consumer

8. PV solar, thermal solar, geothermal, wind systems vs. Fossil fuel powered- renewables can save 80% or more and help phase out fossil fuels

9. Record, track, and analyze your electric and gasoline consumption vs. Not-recording – analyzing electric use can save 30% or more

10. Window fans, natural ventilation and shading vs. Window and /or central AC – fans use 10% of the electricity that central AC does

Give yourself one point for each of these that you do and 2 points for any you will do by spring.  Bring the total to Brewtopia in Bay City on 10/10/10 and we will buy you a drink (if you have the highest score)