Biggest Carbon Loser: Week 4

Commit to as many actions as possible to reduce your energy consumption and in friendly competition see who can score the most points in moving you and your family toward a lower carbon footprint. Report your score using the DGFUMC Contact Form (choose 'Environmental Stewardship' as the category). Here are the final action items.

Action Items

1. Limit the length and temperature of showers (a family of 4 limiting shower time under 5 minutes can reduce 1,000 lb/ yr. CO2 - 2 pts.
2. Install a motion detector on outdoor lights - 3 pts.
3. Pull shades/ close drapes to reduce heat loss overnight- in summer pull shades to prevent direct sunlight through windows - 2 pts.
4. Eliminate or reduce use of weed killers and fertilizer in the yard (the average American lawn uses more pesticides/ fertilizer per acre than any commercial crop) - 3 pts.
5. Add more insulation to attics (and walls if accessible)- majority of homes are under- insulated - 10 pts.
6. Car pool if mass transit not feasible - 2 pts.
7. Keep car properly tuned- filters replaced - 3 pts.
8. Take shorter driving vacations rather than flying - 3 pts.
9. Buy electric or hybrid fuel efficient car getting at least 40 MPG (consider life cycle cost including increasing fuel costs over life of vehicle) -  20 pts.
10. If eating out prioritize local restaurants - 1 pt.
11. Choose concentrated and bulk items where appropriate - 1 pt.
12. Avoid purchase of gifts that are neither wanted or needed just to have a gift - 1 pt.