Secure the Call

In addition to our interest in recycling old cell phones to redistribute to the community, we like finding other ways to preserve our resources, for example by using power strips.  On average, using a power strip for TVs and stereos  can save the energy equivalent of a 100-watt light bulb that is always on.  This small change can help to preserve valuable resources, as well as save consumers money.

A typical 150-watt computer consumes approximately 876 kilowatt hours per year, totally about $87.60 per year before taxes and fees!  Using a power strip for large appliances, such as computers, washers, dryers, and refrigerators can drastically reduce energy costs.  Even devices that are in “standby” mode, such as computers, still consume energy if plugged-in.  One way to reduce this type of wasted energy is to utilize a power strip, which could cut energy costs by up to $10 per month.  This simple solution helps to preserve valuable resources, as well as safe money.   

Yesterday was Earth Day, and as always, I stopped to take stock. I was slightly depressed because I heard Rush Limbaugh say that “even their strongest proponents agree they’ve had zero impact!” I doubt that the leaders of the environmental movement would agree, but it started me to thinking about Earth Day. Is it a truly important commemoration, or is it just a lot of hot air?

What really bothered me was that the Pennsylvania Primary was scheduled for the same day, and the media coverage of that event sucked all the air out of Earth Day publicity. The average guy scarcely knew it was happening. 

To test this, last night I went to visit two neighbors—people I know pretty well but don’t really socialize with. I told them what Earth Day meant to me, and challenged them to make a “gift” to the Earth this next year. That way, when Earth Day rolled around they could feel good about it and perhaps make another gift.

I was in luck. Neighbor “A”, (named Jay), said he was thinking about getting rid of his Tahoe SUV and start driving a Prius. Did I think that would qualify as a “gift”? That’s a no-brainer. He would drive the same distance, but he’d get 40-50 miles/gallon better performance. Neighbor “B” (Paul) was a little more difficult. He asked for suggestions. I gave him the following list:

1. Plant a tree
2. Change you household lightbulbs to compact fluorescent as they burn out
3. Install new weather-stripping on your exterior doors
4. Set your thermostat up two degrees in the summer and down two degrees in the winter

…the list went on.

Paul thought about it and went beyond it. He was going to replace all his windows with energy efficient ones. (On the negative side, he “hated” the “curly” fluorescent light bulbs and wouldn’t commit to using them.)

I went to bed last night feeling better. Not because I felt like I’d made a difference, but because my neighbors reactions indicated that the message really IS getting across. Maybe we just need better PR!