GO GREEN AT HOME

This book guides households on how to save on energy and water use bills regardless of whether they subscribe or not to the notion of global warming. By saving energy, however, households automatically reduce their carbon footprint and thus help mitigate climate change. To believers of global warming this is an added gratification and could even be the main reason for saving energy. On the other hand, those not convinced of its science, may simply be satisfied with the accrued savings.

By educating readers of the "green" concept that enables informed participation in the current debates about climate change, the book hopes to foster the growth of a green movement. The green movement envisioned in the book is not a formal grouping of individuals sharing a passion for environmental protection but rather simply several persons with each one going green in their own way and feeling good about what they have done to reduce their carbon footprint. The resulting benefits from lower utility bills provide added incentive for the sustainability of the individual's green practices.

Environmental issues are reviewed to reinforce the individual's resolve in "going green" at home to save money and help save the environment by increasing their understanding on how each one impacts our immediate surroundings in particular and the world in general. Among the topics discussed are: a) global warming including its science and catastrophic effects, greenhouse gas, carbon sequestration and international initiatives to mitigate harmful consequences of climate change such as the Kyoto Protocol, the Copenhagen Accord and Cancun Conference. Carbon credit and carbon trading collectively referred to as cap-and-trade and the carbon tax concept are also discussed. b) role of the water cycle in the damaging floods, mudslides and snow storms recently experienced worldwide; c) U.S. precipitation data and the Colorado River in order to provide better understanding of water supply issues, highlight the need for conservation and demonstrate the negative trade-off between development and the environment as exemplified by what happened to the Colorado River Delta; d) municipal solid waste and its impact on the environment; e) population pressure and environmental hot spots; and f) the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brought about by rapid degradation of the environment caused by pollution of all sorts in the 70's.

Various federal energy efficiency initiatives, most of which are related directly with household energy saving and resource conservation efforts are presented in Chapter 2. An important aspect of such initiatives is the Energy Star program that rates the energy efficiency and performance of homes, appliances, light sources and home electronics. Another notable initiative is the Water Sense program aimed at saving household water usage. The Water Sense program involves less-water-consuming home designs and construction, high-efficiency toilets that use 60 percent less water per flush, sensor-based lawn irrigation technologies, water-saving bathroom and kitchen sink faucets and low-flow shower heads. The successful high-efficiency toilet (HET) program initiated in Santa Fe, New Mexico to overcome its problem of fast-growing demand due to rapid development of the city and its limited water supply is highlighted.

Measures for households to save energy are thoroughly discussed in Chapter 3. Collectively, these energy-saving practices also contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and as a result protect the environment. Among others, these measures include the use of compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) that consumes 75 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs for the same brightness; dusk-to-dawn light control and timer which save energy and are important in the security of unattended homes; energy-efficient ways of using kitchen appliances like taking advantage of electric range residual heat; choosing energy-efficient home heating and cooling systems, water heaters, laundry appliances, home electronics as well as informed selection and use of family cars.

Potential problem with energy-efficient homes whereby the lack of air exchange between the inside and ambient air outside that often results in the buildup of CO2 inside the house is likewise addressed in Chapter 3. This trapped CO2 although unnoticed by people without breathing problem can be fatal to small pets such as birds and gerbils.

Discussion of measures for conserving water inside the house covered in Chapter 4 pertains to Energy Star rated appliances and fixtures that include dishwasher and clothes washer, Water Sense labeled toilets or HETs, low-flow shower heads and others. Reducing water usage outside the house especially in low-rainfall areas is given emphasis including proper lawn care, use of low water-consuming plants, drip irrigation and high-tech sprinklers and proper application of irrigation water.

The economics of energy and water use efficiency covered in Chapter 5, quantifies the savings derived from most of the measures discussed in Chapters 3 and 4. The chapter shows in dollar terms how much the household could save by going green at home. By following simple examples in the book, readers will be able to calculate their own savings using parameters applicable to their particular circumstances. This is important to families who are deciding to buy a house, car or household appliances. Moreover, comparative costs and savings as well as payback period for the investment will help households in prioritizing home energy improvement projects.

Understanding the relationship between fuel efficiency, price of fuel and annual distance traveled become important factors to consider in deciding which vehicle model to purchase with the advent of fuel-efficient hybrids and the newly introduced electric cars. Chapter 5 provides extensive discussion and cost comparisons on this subject.

Chapter 6 examines the challenges of dealing with solid waste from households. Topics include: a) solid waste in the U.S. including waste generation and decomposition rates of some common waste materials, b) waste collection systems and fees with particular focus on the so-called "Pay-As-You-Throw" (PAYT) scheme; c) benefits of recycling; and d) the three Rs in waste management - - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Chapter 7 is devoted to education and engagement of children in green practices in recognition of their impact on energy and water use at home. In the short term, the effect of children in reducing current electricity and water consumption as well as solid waste generation is significant. Over the long term, as they become adults and parents themselves they pass on to their children their green orientation thus sustaining green homes and communities across generations and fostering the expansion of the green movement in the country. Of particular interest is the opportunity and importance of teaching green practices in schools because it could impact the national movement when properly harnessed. Vital role that parents could provide to educate children on green practices at home is likewise addressed.

Two green initiative proposals for fostering sustainability of the green movement are given in Chapter 8. These include: a) establishment of green camps and b) provision of tax incentives for going green at home. Green camps aim to provide energy and resource conservation-related educational and recreational experience to the entire family in a specially designed energy-efficient environment. The proposal for government to provide going-green tax incentives recognizes household efforts in saving energy and helping reduce CO2 emissions.