Wouldn’t you like to save on your monthly utilities, feel
more comfortable in your home, have longer-lasting, higher-performing
appliances, and benefit your community? Over the next two years, you can. Bellingham is one of 50 cities participating
in the Georgetown
University Energy Prize competition. Energy used in residences, schools and
city buildings will be measured in all 50 participating cities across the nation.
The most efficiently performing city could win the $5 million prize. The newest updates have Bellingham in 8th place! We can't move up the ranks without your help!
Help our community make it to the top in the nation by following these simple
steps for your family, and spreading the word to your friends and colleagues.
Before you begin, use this carbon footprint
calculator to determine where you can make the biggest impact.
1. Transportation
In the EPA’s most updated report, greenhouse gas emissions from transportation accounted for
around 27% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making it the second largest
contributor to climate change, behind electricity. While we wait for fuel
efficiency to make the leaps and bounds required to significantly reduce the
current release of CO2 into our atmosphere, you can make simple choices every
day to get to your destination in a low-emission or emission-free way.
First
off, there is no better power source for you to utilize than your own personal
energy. With a healthy meal and a few stretches, it’s
guaranteed to get you where you need to be. Not to mention, when you walk, skip,
or ride a bike or scooter you promote
good mental and physical health. Bellingham
and Whatcom
County have extensive trails and maps to improve your quality
of life while you get around safely and emission-free.
Secondly,
don’t underestimate the power of the bus. When the weather
is not-so-pleasant or your destination is a ways away, the Whatcom Transit Authority has
you covered. WTA provides convenient bus stops and routes throughout the county
and can now help you plan your trip with their new interactive map
and trip planner.
Thirdly,
when it makes sense, share your ride with others. Carpool to
reduce your personal carbon emissions and enjoy many of the other benefits like
extra gas money to spend however you want and the ability to meet new people or
spend additional time with roommates, friends, or coworkers.
Last
but certainly not least, cruise around town efficiently.
Keep your car in tip-top shape to reduce
emissions and get the best gas mileage you can.
Get your car checked regularly, properly inflate your tires, and use the correct
grade of motor oil. Take the no-idle
pledge and turn off the engine the next time you’re stopped
for more than 30 seconds. Every two minutes that your car idles is equivalent
to one mile of driving.
Don’t forget to register for Whatcom Smart Trips and log your smart transportation choices for
additional support, resources, and the chance to win prizes! Your participation
also helps prioritize emissions-free funding in Washington State.
2. Heating
and Cooling
48%
of the energy use in an average U.S. household is used to
heat and cool our living spaces, making it the largest energy expense for most
households. Most of us use natural gas or electricity, which are derived from
heavily polluting fossil fuels. Practicing efficient heating habits can have
significant impacts on the overall emissions you cause.

Layers
– they’re not just for you. An extra layer of the correct
insulation can help you keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Learn
about the best
types of insulation for you. Keep an eye out for greener
insulation such as sheep wool or recycled denim.
Insulate your water heater
(safely!)
to stop heat from escaping and keep it set to 120°F. Consider upgrading to a tankless or on-demand
system that will only use energy to heat water when it’s needed – and you’ll
never take a lukewarm shower again. Read more tips on insulation
and upgrades. And easiest of all: reduce your shower time by just a few
minutes.

Upgrade
your technology. Switch to a programmable
thermostat and reduce your energy bill 10% each year. Set your
thermostat to reduce use when you sleep or are away from the house but have it
reach your optimum temperature by the time you wake up each morning and arrive
home each evening.
3. Appliances
Appliances used throughout your home account for around
13% of your household energy costs (the
dryer and refrigerator are the largest consumers). While many appliances are
needed on a daily basis, there are a few easy ways to make sure you’re daily
use is the most efficient it can be.
Stop
needless energy-sucking. Many electronics continue
to use power, even when they’re off or in standby mode.
These electronics can add up to more than $200 in yearly energy costs for the
average home. Increase the use of your prime outlet locations, like those
behind gaming systems and near kitchen appliances, and reduce energy use by
adding in a powerstrip,
which stops the supply of power to electronics plugged into it. PSE now has a
special offer for their customers – get an activity
monitor powerstrip (a $70 powerstrip) for only $10. There’s actually 5 different types of
powerstrips to fit whatever needs you have… who knew?
Receive
your EPA stamp of approval with EnergyStar. From pool pumps
and ceiling fans to furnaces and dishwashers, EnergyStar
efficient products will give you long-term energy savings. Make
sure to check with PSE or your energy provider for any rebate programs before
you go through with an upgrade.
Clean up your laundering habits. Save energy by washing your laundry in cold water (just make sure to buy soaps and detergents that work just as effectively with cold water). And did you know that clothes dryers account for more than a third of energy used by appliances in your home? Save energy and reduce wear and tear on your clothing by drying your clothing on an in-home rack. When you do use the dryer, don’t forget to clean your lint screen after every load to ensure optimum airflow.

4. Lighting and entertainment
Turn it off. No – really. Lighting, especially around this time of the year, is an important aspect of our daily lives – and also uses a lot of energy. Turn off the lights when you leave a room and double check lights as you leave your house. When you can, use small lamps rather than lighting an entire room or keep windows and shades open to let in natural light.
Bulbs matter. Replace incandescent bulbs as they go out with LEDs or CFL lightbulbs. Check out this quick guide that compares light bulb types. Have you heard about HomePrint for PSE customers? Receive a free evaluation of your homes energy usage and free energy-efficient fixtures like lightbulbs and showerheads. Don’t forget to safely recycle CFL lightbulbs and fluorescent tubes – Visit lightrecycle.org to find your closest collection site. Make even bigger improvements and install timers, dimmers, or sensors for lights in bathrooms, garages, and front porches.
Bulbs matter. Replace incandescent bulbs as they go out with LEDs or CFL lightbulbs. Check out this quick guide that compares light bulb types. Have you heard about HomePrint for PSE customers? Receive a free evaluation of your homes energy usage and free energy-efficient fixtures like lightbulbs and showerheads. Don’t forget to safely recycle CFL lightbulbs and fluorescent tubes – Visit lightrecycle.org to find your closest collection site. Make even bigger improvements and install timers, dimmers, or sensors for lights in bathrooms, garages, and front porches.
Get
your screen time without the guilt. TV, game consoles, phones,
tablets, and computers are used and charged all day, every day. Try unplugging
for a designated hour a day or day a week to enjoy energy-free activities. Go
for a walk, play a sport, or enjoy board and card games. When you are using
entertainment systems and electronics, unplug electronics and chargers when
they’re not in use. Like appliances, many electronics continue to draw power
even after they’re shut off. You can find energy
saving computers as well as TV’s that will use a fraction of the energy an
older model would use.
We applaud you for every step you take toward a
more sustainable lifestyle. What will you start doing today? Share your successes with us. If 100 people follow
the actions you’ve taken, together we can make a bigger impact than you think.
Check back in with the waste
prevention blog to track your progress, and stay
tuned for the next blog in our sustainability series: water conservation.
Additional
Resources:
- The Energy Saver Guide is a comprehensive booklet geared at helping every homeowner make smart choices to save money and energy every day.
- Energy.gov is filled with fact and tip sheets, energy use and distribution maps, and more information about all of the above topics.
- Contact PSE and opt in to pay for partial or 100% offsets of your power with Green Power.
- Customers receive a free energy saving packet from Cascade Natural Gas.
- You can now plan and build your very own zero net energy homes built. Find a builder in your region at Zero Homes.
RE Sources is committed to promoting sustainable
communities and protecting the health of people and ecosystems in our glorious
little slice of NW Washington.
For more information, please contact us at schools@re-sources.org.