March is an exciting month with lots to celebrate and look forward to. There is March Madness, St. Patrick’s Day, and the beginning of Daylight Savings.
There is also an event that will happen this month that not many know about. March Polar week runs from the 15th through 19th. It is an opportunity for scientists, researchers and educators from over 60 nations to share, examine and discuss evidence of global warming.
Although many of us will never encounter sea ice, mountain glaciers or meet free-living penguins or polar bears, we can still recognize the impact of polar changes in our global systems. We can see the effects in the extreme weather conditions in foreign lands, across our country, and in our own backyards.
It seems overwhelming, but one small simple change in your daily life can help make a difference.
TAKE ACTION!
A few simple ideas:
- ADJUST YOUR THERMOSTAT: lower your thermostat two degrees in the winter and raise it two degrees in the summer. Save 2000 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $98 per year. (See AMAZON.COM).
- PUT ON A SWEATER: instead of cranking up the heat in your home., put on a sweater or sweatshirt. Save 1,000 lbs. or carbon dioxide and $250 per year.
- CHANGE THE AC FILTER: clean or replace air conditioner filters as recommended. Save 350 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $150 per year.
- CHECK YOUR WATER HEATER: keep your water heater thermostat no higher than 120 degrees. Save 550 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $30 per year.
- TAKE SHORTER SHOWERS: showers account for 2/3 of all water heating costs. Save 350 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $99 per year.
- FILL THE DISHWASHER: run your dishwasher only with a full load. Save 100 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $40 per year.
- AIR DRY YOUR CLOTHES: line dry your clothes in the Spring and Summer instead of using the dryer. Save 700 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $75 per year.
- WEATHERIZE YOUR HOME: Caulk and weather-strip your doorways and windows. Save 1,700 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $274 per year.
- USE COMPACT FLUORESCENT BULBS: replace 3 frequently used light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Save 300 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $60 per year.
- UNPLUG UN-USED ELECTRONICS: even when electronic devices are turned off, they use energy. Save over 1,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $256 per year.
ENVIRONMENTAL SAVINGS: 8,050 lbs. carbon dioxide
FINANCIAL SAVINGS: $1,332
MARCH TRULY IS A MONTH TO CELEBRATE GREEN!!