Be earth wise!Here are five simple ways to cut back on energy use: 1 Turn out the lights when you leave a room. And choose fluorescent light bulbs--they use one-quarter of the energy and last 10 times longer than an incandescent in·can·des·cent adj. 1. Emitting visible light as a result of being heated. 2. Shining brilliantly; very bright. See Synonyms at bright. 3. bulb. One fluorescent bulb's life span saves around 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide carbon dioxide, chemical compound, CO2, a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is about one and one-half times as dense as air under ordinary conditions of temperature and pressure. from spewing into the atmosphere. 2 Open the fridge when you've decided what you want to eat--not while you decide. Keep fridge settings between 37[degrees] to 40[degrees] F and the freezer freezer the compartment in which meat and offal are stored at freezing temperatures of 10 to 16°F (-12 to -9°C) although there is a trend to lower temperatures of 0 to -22°F (-18 to -30°C). between 0[degrees] to 5[degrees] F. Any colder is unnecessary and wastes energy. 3 Warming up food? A microwave oven uses one-third the energy of a conventional oven. 4 Put on a sweater instead of turning up the thermostat thermostat, automatic device that regulates temperature in an enclosed area by controlling heating or refrigerating systems. It is commonly connected to one of these systems, turning it on or off in order to maintain a predetermined temperature. . 5 Get some exercise and cut automobile emissions by walking or biking to school instead of driving. Learn more about the state of the environment and conservation ideas at the following Web sites: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Student Center: www.epa.gov/students/ The Environmental Defense Fund: www.edf.org The Natural Resources Defense Council The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is a New York City-based, non-profit non-partisan international environmental advocacy group, with offices in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Beijing. Founded in 1970, NRDC today has 1. : www.nrdc.org U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Renewable energy utilizes natural resources such as sunlight, wind, tides and geothermal heat, which are naturally replenished. Renewable energy technologies range from solar power, wind power, and hydroelectricity to biomass and biofuels for transportation. Clearinghouse: www.eren.doe.gov/consumerinfo Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Home Energy Saver: www.homeenergysaver.lbl.gov/ Pitch In Earth Day, an annual global event, takes place this year on April 22, 2003. Join in activities to help protect the environment, or organize one for your class or neighborhood. Check out the official Web site for information and ideas: www.earthday.net/ SPEAK UP! GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM THAT REALLY CONCERNS YOU? TELL THE GOVERNMENT. EVERY LETTER COUNTS. PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Pennsylvania Avenue is a street in Washington, D.C. joining the White House and the United States Capitol. Called "America's Main Street," it is the location of official parades and processions, as well as protest marches and civilian protests. NW Washington, D.C. 20500 www.whitehouse.gov WRITE YOUR SENATOR AT: U.S. Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 www.senate.gov OR YOUR REPRESENTATIVE AT: U.S. House of Representatives House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 www.house.gov |
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