Which new energy-saving actions would you like to try this month?
Hot water accounts for 14-25% of the energy use in a typical house. Switching to low-flow fixtures is an easy way to reduce your hot water use, which in turn reduces your energy use because it takes energy to heat water, transport water to the treatment plant once it goes down the drain, and to treat water at the municipal water treatment facility.
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About the Numbers:
How much energy could you save by installing one low-flow showerhead?
If everyone in Corvallis installed one low-flow showerhead, we would save 9.750 metric tons of CO2 in one year (assuming half of us have electric water heaters), which is equivalent to:
* According to EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator
Here is how we calculated that:
There are a number of things we’ll need to consider to calculate the energy savings of installing low-flow showerheads. First, we’ll need to calculate each one separately. Second, we’ll need to calculate how much energy it takes to produce the water in the municipal water-delivery system. Finally, we’ll need to calculate how much energy it takes to heat the water once it is in your home, and that depends on what type of water heater you have.
To help us with these calculations, let’s assume that your old showerhead used 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) and your low-flow showerhead uses 1.5 gpm. Let’s also assume an average shower is 7 minutes. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you how many low-flow showerheads you installed and what type of water heater you have so we can give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Calculating Energy to Treat and Deliver the Water
Calculating Energy to Heat the Water at Home
Electric Water Heater
Energy Savings for Gas Water Heaters
How much energy could you save by installing one low-flow faucet aerator?
If everyone in Corvallis installed one low-flow faucet aerator, we would save 600 metric tons of CO2 in one year (assuming half of us have electric water heaters), which is equivalent to:
There are a number of things we’ll need to consider to calculate the energy savings of installing low-flow aerators. First, we’ll need to calculate the potential water savings. Second, we’ll need to calculate how much energy it takes to produce the water in the municipal water-delivery system. Finally, we’ll need to calculate how much energy it takes to heat the water once it is in your home, and that depends on what type of water heater you have.
To help us with these calculations, let’s assume that the faucet aerator you install results in a savings of about 0.6 gallons per person per day and that 73% of water that comes out of the tap is heated. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you how many low-flow faucet aerators you installed and what type of water heater you have so we can give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
In this section, let’s assume that when the water comes into your house from the municipal system, it is about 55oF and that you have your water heater set at 120oF, which means you heat the water 65oF before it comes out of your tap (120oF - 55oF = 65oF)
Gas Water Heaters
Your hot water heater is likely one of the biggest consumers of energy in your house. It typically accounts for approximately 15% of home energy use. If you have an electric water heater, you can upgrade to a more efficient model or a heat-pump water heater. If you have gas water heater, you can upgrade to a more efficient tank water heater or a tankless water heater. Regardless of what kind of fuel you currently use to heat your water, you could also upgrade to a solar water heater. Upgrading your water heater could save you up to half of your water-heating bill.
How much energy could you save by replacing your water heater with a new more efficient water heater?
If everyone in Corvallis did this, in one year we would save 20,275 metric tons of CO2, assuming half gas and half electric water heaters, which is equivalent to:
* According to EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator.
Here’s how we calculated that:
Electric water heaters and gas water heaters use different amounts of energy, so we’ll look at them separately to estimate the potential energy savings. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you what kind of water heater you have to give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Energy Savings for Electric Water Heater
Let’s assume that your old water heater uses 5,080 kWh a year, and that an efficient water heater uses 4,600 kWh a year.
Energy Savings for Gas Water Heater
Let’s assume your old water heater uses 250 therms a year, and that an efficient water heater uses 175 therms a year.
Lighting is about 14% of the average electricity bill. Cut down on waste by turning off the lights whenever you’re not using a room.
More information coming soon.
How much energy could you save by turning off the lights?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 900 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by turning off lights, let’s assume that you use 15-watt compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs and turn them off each day for four hours when you would normally leave them on. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you what kind of light bulbs you use and how many you tuned off to give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
About 90% of the energy used by the average clothes washer is for heating water. If you aren’t washing heavily stained clothing, you can safely substitute warm or cold water for hot water.
How much energy could you save by washing clothes in cold water?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 22,000 metric tons of CO2 assuming half electric and half gas water heaters, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by washing your clothes in cold water, let’s assume that when water comes into your water heater it is 55°F, and your water heater is set at 120°F. Therefore, the water is heated 65°F before it comes into your laundry machine. Let’s also assume a conventional washer uses 40 gallons of water per full load and that you do three loads of laundry per week. The energy savings for electric and gas water heaters are different, so we’ll calculate the energy savings for each. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you how what kind of water heater you have to give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Even in Oregon, the sun’s light provides abundant energy for both plants and photovoltaic cells to harvest. Investing in solar energy is a big project, but there is no better way to supply your home with 30+ years of clean, fuel-free electricity. Work with a solar contractor to find out what tax credits and incentives are available for solar panels (see below for information).
How much energy could you save by installing solar panels?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 131,750 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by installing solar panels, let’s assume you install a 3,000-watt, direct current (dc) system. In Corvallis each dc-watt generates about 1.14 kWh per year. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you what size solar electric system you installed so we can to give you a better estimate of how much energy you are saving.)
While it probably isn’t realistic to go completely paperless, you can save a lot of paper during the year by reading things on your computer screen instead of printing them out when possible.
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How much energy could you save by going paperless?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 762.5 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by going paperless by reading on your computer screen instead of printing, let’s assume you avoid printing about one ream of paper a year, or about 500 sheets of paper.
Pacific Power or NW Natural customer can register for FREE energy saving light bulbs and faucet aerators. One of our Energize Corvallis team members will come to your house and install up to 10 compact fluorescent light bulbs, 2 bathroom aerators, 1 kitchen aerator, and 2 low-flow showerheads. We can even install harder-to-find bulbs like floodlights, 3-way lamps, and candelabras. That adds up to about $80 worth of free energy-saving goodies. Plus you can expect an annual savings of up to $185 in homes with electric heat and up to $125 in homes with gas heat!
How much energy could you save letting us install FREE CFLs and faucet aerators for you?
If everyone in Corvallis did this, in one year we would save 58,500 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
Replacing CFLs
To estimate how much energy you could save by letting us install FREE CFLs, let’s assume you upgrade to 10 CFLs and that these bulbs are turned on an for an average of 6 hours per day.
It takes a lot of power to keep a plane in the air. It also takes a lot of planning to avoid air travel if you are an avid jet setter, but you can make a big impact on your carbon footprint by cutting down on travel—even one trip a year.
How much energy could you save by reducing the number of trips you take by plane?
If everyone in Corvallis did this once a year we would save 35,250 metric tons of CO2 per year, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by reducing your air travel, we’ll estimate that carbon emissions per mile per person for air travel range from 0.40 pounds carbon per mile for long flights of about 2,500 miles to 0.65 pounds of carbon per mile for short trips of about 300 miles. Shorter flights result in greater emissions per mile because a larger portion of the trip is spent in the energy-intensive takeoff and landing.* In this example, let’s assume that you avoid taking one round-trip flight between Portland and Chicago. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask if you avoided taking a long or short flight so we can give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
If everyone purchasing a refrigerator this year chose an ENERGY STAR model, together we would save 715 million kWh per year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from about 100,000 cars. On average, refrigerators manufactured before 1993 cost over $65 more per year to operate than new ENERGY STAR qualified models. Refrigerators manufactured before 1980 can cost about $200 more per year!
How much energy could you save by replacing your inefficient refrigerator?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 47,400 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by replacing your inefficient refrigerator, let’s assume your old refrigerator used 1,630 kWh per year and that your new energy-efficient model uses only 400 kWh per year, which is 75% reduction in energy use.
The humble clothesline is great a substitute for the power-hungry electric dryer, especially on sunny days. If it is raining or cold outside, try hanging clothes in a spare room or the garage. You could save about $130 in energy costs, plus the expense of maintaining your dryer.
How much energy could you save by air-drying clothes?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 30,000 tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate the potential energy savings of air drying your clothes, let’s assume you air-dry your clothes 4 times a week for a total of 16 times per month. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you to estimate how many times your air-dried your clothes so we can give you a better estimate of your energy savings.)
The way you drive can have a huge impact on how much gas your car burns on a trip. Start-and-stop driving, heavy acceleration up inclines, and driving too fast all increase your fuel costs without saving much, if any, time. Accelerating uphill can bring your fuel mileage down to 2-6 miles per gallon!
How much energy could you save if you take charge by driving efficiently?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 30,000 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To calculate how much energy you could save by driving efficiently, let’s assume that it increases your gas mileage by 7%, which is conservative because it can lower your gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds and by 5% around town. Let’s also assume your car gets 22 miles per gallon (mpg) and that you drive 15,000 miles per year. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you how many mpg your car actually gets to give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Cleaning the lint filter helps your dryer work at peak efficiency because the air can circulate easily, which means it can dry your clothes more quickly. Cleaning the lint filter can also save you up to $34 in energy savings each year.
How much energy could you save by cleaning the lint filter?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 6,500 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by cleaning the lint filter, let’s assume your dryer cycle uses 4,000 watts for one-hour and that you dry 4 loads of laundry per week, or 16 loads per month. We’ll also assume that your dryer uses 30% more energy if the lint filter is not clean because it has to run 30% longer to get your clothes dry. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you to estimate how many loads of laundry you dry each month so we can better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Most cars get their maximum fuel economy at 60 miles per hour. For every 5 miles over 60 mph you increase your cruising speed, you cut your fuel economy by an average of 6%. By one estimate, each 5 mph you drive over 50 mph is like paying an additional $0.26 per gallon of gas. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you how many miles per gallon your car gets so we can give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
How much energy could you save by cutting highway speed from 70 to 60?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 21,000 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by cutting highway speed from 70 to 60, let’s assume you drive 160 miles (a trip from Corvallis to Portland and back) once per week for a total of 640 miles a month. Let’s also assume that your car gets 22 miles per gallon (mpg) and that for every 5 miles over 60 you increase your cruising speed, you cut your fuel economy by an average of 6%. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you how many mpg your car actually gets and how often you reduced your speed to give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Your dishwasher uses the same amount of water and electricity whether it's full or empty. But if it is too full, some dishes may not get clean and then need to be washed again. To minimize the loads of dishes you wash, try to run your dishwasher with full, evenly spaced loads. You can save even more energy by using the light-wash or energy-saving cycles on your dishwasher if your dishes aren’t too dirty.
Think hand-washing dishes is more efficient? Nope. According to Energy Star, an efficient dishwasher uses less than half as much energy as washing dishes by hand. Using a dishwasher can save nearly 5,000 gallons of water a year, cut your utility bills by more than $40 per year, and save you over 230 hours (almost 10 days!) of time a year.
How much energy could you save by filling your dishwater but not overloading it:
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 2,100 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by filling your dishwater but not overloading it, let’s assume that you eliminate one load per week. Let’s also assume your dishwasher uses 1,200 W during a one-hour cycle. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you to estimate how many loads of dishes you think you reduced so we can to give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Refilled ink cartridges use up to 80% less energy than making new cartridges. The average printer cartridge can be refilled 5-7 times, and up to 97% of the material that printer cartridges are made of can be recycled.
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 1,200 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by refilling ink instead of buying new cartridges, let’s assume you refilled one ink cartridge this month. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you how you to estimate how many ink cartridges you saved so that we can give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Blinds and draperies aren't just for privacy. When completely closed and lowered on a sunny window, highly reflective blinds can reduce heat gain by around 45%, and medium-colored draperies with white-plastic backings can reduce heat gains by 33%. When drawn during cold weather, most conventional draperies can reduce heat loss from a warm room up to 10%. If you take a few extra steps, like hanging draperies as close to the window as possible and installing a cornice at the top of a drapery, you could reduce heat loss up to 25%.
How much energy could you save by using blinds or draperies to keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer?
If you do this in the heating season (winter and fall): 4,200 pounds CO2 if you have an electric furnace or 1,400 pounds CO2 if you have a gas furnace.
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 81,250 metric tons of CO2 (assuming half electric and half gas furnaces), which is equivalent to:
The energy savings for electric and gas furnaces are different, so we’ll calculate the energy savings for each. To estimate how much energy you could save by using blinds or draperies to keep heat in during the heating season (fall and winter), let’s assume an electric furnace uses 27,300 kWh in one year and that a gas furnace uses 1,190 therms in one year. To estimate how much energy you could save in the cooling season (spring and summer), let’s assume your air conditioner uses an average of 2,000 kWh in a year. Finally, we’ll assume that you save a minimum of 10% of your heating and cooling costs by using blinds or draperies. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you what season it was and what kind of heater you have so we can give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Energy Savings for Electric Furnaces
Energy Savings for Gas Furnaces
Energy Savings for Air Conditioners
Waiting until you have a full load of laundry to do helps you get the most out of your washing machine, saving both time and energy.
How much energy could you save by washing full loads?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 7,800 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by washing full loads, let’s assume that you wash one less load of laundry per week for a total of four less loads of laundry this month. Let’s also assume that your washing machine uses 450 watts per load and takes 35 minutes, and that your dryer uses 4,000 watts per 60 minute cycle. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you how many loads of laundry you reduced this month to give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Save energy and money while you get focused. Lighting accounts for 14% of a typical home’s electricity bill. You can reduce this portion of your monthly bill by turning off overhead lights and turning on task lights such as a desk light or reading light.
How much energy could you save by using task lighting?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 600 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by using task lighting, let’s assume you do this most days this month for two hours each day. Let’s also assume that a well-lit room in your house has three 15-watt light bulbs and that task lighting uses just one 15-watt light bulb. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you questions about your lighting to give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Transportation-related CO2 emissions were a whopping 1.88 billion tons in 2010—nearly a third of all US carbon emissions. The average American commutes in a car 25-minute to and from work each day. But it is becoming more common to work from home for part of the week. Almost all students and a quarter of US workers do part or all of their work from home, which saves them time, money, and carbon emissions.
How much energy could you save by working from home?
To estimate how much energy you could save by working from home, let’s assume your car gets 22 mpg. Let’s also assume that your trip to work is 10 miles roundtrip and that you work or study from home twice per week for a total of 8 times this month. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you how many mpg your car actually gets and how many miles your commute is to give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Heating and cooling accounts for more than half of the average home’s utility costs. When you combine all the cracks and gaps in a typical house, they add up to a 3x3-foot hole in the wall. Reducing the amount of air that leaks in and out of your home is a cost-effective way to cut heating and cooling costs and make your home more comfort. Caulking and weather stripping are two simple and effective air-sealing techniques that offer quick returns on investment, often one year or less.* ENERGY STAR estimates that a knowledgeable homeowner or skilled contractor can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs (or up to 10% on their total annual energy bill) by sealing and insulating.
How much energy could you save sealing air leakage in your home?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 140,000 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
The energy savings for electric and gas furnaces are different, so we’ll calculate the energy savings for each. To estimate how much energy you could save by sealing air leaks in your home, let’s assume electric furnaces uses 27,300 kWh in one year and that gas furnaces uses 1,190 therms in one year. Let’s also assume you save 20% on heating and cooling costs by sealing air leaks. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask if you what kind of furnace you have so we can give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
28% of all energy used in the United States is for transportation—mostly cars. Giving up a car is a major lifestyle change, but arguably one of the most eco-friendly moves you can make. It’s also a way to save money on car payments, insurance, gas, repairs and the many other costs associated with owning a vehicle. Biking, walking, and public transportation are all easier on your wallet and less energy intensive.
Read 'Going Carless' by Bill Palladino
How much energy could you save by going car-free all month?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 339,000 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by going car free, let’s assume your car gets 22 mpg and you drive 15,000 miles annually, or 1,250 miles per month (15,000 miles / 12 months = 1,250 miles). (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask how many mpg your car gets so we can give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
If we put all of the solid waste collected in the U.S. in a line of average garbage trucks, that line of trucks could cross the country, extending from New York City to Los Angeles, more than 100 times.
How much energy could you save by reducing the amount of garbage you throw away by half?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 12,300 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by reducing the amount of garbage you throw away by half, we’ll assume the average American creates 4.43 pounds of garbage per person per day and recycles or composts 1.51 pounds of that waste, which works out to be a total of 2.92 lbs of garbage per person per day (4.43 lbs – 1.51 lbs = 2.92 lbs). We’ll also assume that each pound of trash produces the equivalent of 0.94 pounds of CO2 in the form of methane.
Meat, especially lamb and beef, takes more energy to make than any other kind of food. For example, a steak dinner produces 24 times the carbon-equivalent emissions of a meal made of rice and vegetables.
Do double good at the gym by creating energy while you workout. Next time you are at OSU’s Dixon Recreation Center, hop on one of the 22 energy-generating elliptical machines. The annual energy output from the machines is estimated to be about 3,500 kilowatt-hours. That’s roughly the amount needed to power a small, efficient house.
How much energy could you save by using an energy-generating elliptical machine?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 150 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by using an energy-generating elliptical machine, let’s assume each machine generates about 50 watts per hour if you use it at moderate level of resistance. Let’s also assume you workout three times a week. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you to estimate how many times you used the elliptical machines so we can better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Packaging paper and plastic makes up about 13% of all Oregon's waste. Instead of asking for a to-go container the next time you eat out, try bringing reusable containers to the restaurant such Tupperware or glass jars. You could avoid bringing home (and throwing away) Styrofoam, plastic bags, wax-coated paper containers, and plastic silverware.
How much energy could you save by bringing reusable containers for takeout?
To estimate how much energy you could save by bringing reusable containers for takeout, let’s assume you do this once a week for a total of four times a month and that you avoid using a Styrofoam container each time. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you how about how many times you brought reusable containers to give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Plan a family cook weekend, host a croquet tournament, visit the Farmer’s Market, or find a new swimming hole or trail. The possibilities are endless, and so are the energy savings.
How much energy could you save by taking a staycation instead of a vacation?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 5,625 metric tons of CO2, assuming half of us avoided a car trip and half of us avoided a plane trip, which is equivalent to:
The energy saving for taking a staycation instead of a vacation depends on what kind of transportation you avoid using and how many miles you avoid traveling. In this example, let’s assume you stay home instead of taking a vacation from Portland to Seattle. We’ll calculate the energy savings from avoiding traveling by plane and car. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask if you what kind of transportation you avoided using so we can give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Reducing Plane Travel between Portland and Seattle
Carbon emissions per mile per person for air travel range from 0.40 pounds carbon per mile for long flights of about 2,500 miles to 0.65 pounds of carbon per mile for short trips of about 300 miles. Shorter flights result in greater emissions per mile because a larger portion of the trip is spent in the energy-intensive takeoff and landing.*
Reducing Car Travel between Portland and Seattle
There are about 175 car miles between Portland and Seattle. We’ll assume that your car gets 22 miles per gallon (mpg).
EPA estimates that replacing an older toilet with a WaterSense toilet will save a family of four an average of $90 per year in reduced water utility bills and $2,000 over the lifetime of the toilet.
How much energy could you save by installing a dual-flush toilet system?
If everyone in Corvallis did this in Corvallis we would save 7,200 metric tons of CO2 in one year, which is equivalent to:
To estimate the potential energy savings of installing a WaterSense toilet, let’s assume you install one toilet that saves 11 gallons of water per day. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you to tell us how many WaterSense toilets you installed so we can give you a better estimate of how much money you saved.)
If we put all of the solid waste collected in the U.S. in a line of average garbage trucks, that line of trucks could cross the country, extending from New York City to Los Angeles, more than 100 times. Having a waste-free month is a major challenge! It will take a lot of careful shopping and creative reuse to get to zero garbage. On average Americans create 4.43 pounds of garbage per person per day, and we recycle or compost 1.51 pounds of that waste.
How much energy could you save by having a waste-free month?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 24,900 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by having a waste free month, let’s assume you are like the average American who creates 4.43 pounds of garbage per day and recycles or composts 1.51 pounds of that waste. We’ll also assume that each pound of trash produces the equivalent of 0.94 pounds of CO2in the form of methane.
When you don’t have a lot of food to cook or reheat, using smaller appliances is a great way to save energy. A toaster oven uses about half the energy of a conventional oven, and a microwave uses about one third of the energy of a conventional oven. Using small appliances in the summer also helps save money on air conditioning costs because smaller appliances don’t heat up your home as much as using the oven can.
How much energy could you save by using a toaster oven or microwave to reheat small portions?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 123,000 metric tons of CO2 assuming half of us used a microwave and half of us used a toaster oven, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by using a toaster oven or microwave to reheat small portions, we’ll calculate the potential energy saving for toaster ovens and microwaves because they use different amounts of energy and take different amounts of time to cook food.
Let’s assume you reheat a frozen casserole. If you heated it in a conventional oven, it would take about one hour to cook and use 2 kWh of electricity. If you heated it in the microwave, it would take about 15 minutes and use 0.36 kWh. And if you heated it in the in the toaster oven, it would take for 50 minutes and use 0.95 kWh. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask which small appliance you used so we can to give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Energy Savings for Microwave Ovens
Energy Savings for Toaster Ovens
Use a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated on the go instead of buying bottle after bottle of expensive water. Drinking tap water from a reusable water bottle uses 85% less energy and produces 79% less greenhouse gases, even after taking into account dishwashing.
How much energy could you save by using a refillable water bottle?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 3,600 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by using a refillable water bottle, let’s assume you refill your own bottle twice per week instead of purchasing bottled water, for a total of 8 times in a month. It takes about 5.6 mega joules to produce a one-liter plastic water bottle. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you to estimate how many times your used a refillable bottle to better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Using a reusable mug instead of a single-use paper coffee cup can save up to 98% of the energy, 99% of the water pollution, and 86% of the solid waste disposable cups make. Many Corvallis coffee shops offer a 10 to 25 cent discount when you bring in your own mug. Check out the list under 'Find out More' to see what discounts are offered where.
Discounts for Reusable Mugs
Corvallis
On Campus Discounts for Reusable Mugs
How much energy could you save by using a reusable coffee mug?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 360 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by using a reusable coffee mug, let’s assume you use a reusable mug twice per week, for a total of 8 times in a month. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you to estimate how many times you used a reusable mug to better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
The average home has forty electronic devices constantly draining power, amounting to about 10% of all residential electricity use. Instead of turning off electronic devices, unplug them when you aren’t using them to save energy.
How much energy could you save by unplugging electronics?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 45,000 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by unplugging electronics, let’s assume that your house is about average and uses 11,500 kWh annually for all electricity. Let’s also assume that you could save 10% of that electricity by unplugging electronics when you aren’t using them.
An idling car isn’t going anywhere, but it still burns gas. Idling can use a quarter to a half-gallon of fuel per hour, depending on engine size and air conditioner use. It only takes a few seconds worth of fuel to restart your vehicle, so turn off your engine when your vehicle is parked.
How much energy could you save by turning off your engine instead of idling?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 15,000 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
Here is how we calculated that.
To estimate how much energy you could save by turning off your engine instead of idling, let’s assume you use a half-gallon of gas for every hour your car idles. Let’s also assume that you stop idling for 10 minutes a day. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you to estimate how many minutes you stopped idling your car to give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
The Corvallis bus system is FREE, and it a great way to travel around town without having to worry about parking. Taking a bus between cities is one of the most energy-efficient ways to travel.
How much energy could you save by taking the bus instead of driving?
To estimate how much energy you could save by taking the bus instead of driving, let’s assume your car gets 22 mpg and you take the bus twice per week for one month for a total of 8 bus trips. Let’s also assume that each bus trip is 10 miles. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you how many mpg your car actually gets and how many miles you traveled by bus to give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
An easy way to save time, trees, and energy is to pay your bills online. According to PG&E, their customers saved 7,300 trees and avoided producing 340 tons of waste paper by paying online in 2009. Most banks let you use their online bill paying service for free, so check out your bank's website for more information.
How much energy could you save by switching to online bills?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 300 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by switching to online bills, let’s assume you switch to three online bills this month. Let’s also assume that the average bill is three sheets of paper and takes 204,000 joules to produce a single sheet of paper. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask how many bills you switched so we can give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Instead of throwing organic garbage away to decay in a landfill, composting can turn it into nutrient-rich plant food. Allied Waste estimates that 20% of the garbage we throw away is food that could be composted. Composting in Corvallis is easy. You can put your leftover food scraps in your yard debris cart if you have one or order a home composter from Allied Waste.
Check out the Allied Waste page on composting to see what to compost and how.
How much energy could you save by starting to compost?
If you do this for one month: 28 pounds CO2
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 8,400 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by composting, let’s assume that you are like the average American who creates 4.43 pounds of garbage per day and that you start composting about one quarter of your garbage, or about one pound per day. We’ll also assume that each pound of trash produces the equivalent of 0.94 pounds of CO2in the form of methane.
A little bit of time spent scraping can save up to 20 gallons of water before you even load your dishwasher. Modern dishwashers and detergents are designed to be used on dishes that have been scraped clean.
How much energy could you save by scraping plates before washing them?
To estimate the potential energy savings of scraping dishes before washing them, let’s assume you save 20 gallons of water per day by scrapping instead of rinsing. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you to estimate how often you scraped your dishes instead of rinsing them so we can give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Compact fluorescents (CFLs) use one quarter of the electricity and last years longer than incandescent bulbs. According to Energy Star, if every American home replaced just one light bulb with a CFL bulb, "we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars." While CFLs have a higher up-front cost than incandescent bulbs, CFLs save you money in the long run because they last so much longer and use so much less energy. When your CFLs finally do burn out, remember to recycle them because they contain mercury.
How much energy could you save by replacing incandescent light bulbs with CFLs?
To estimate how much energy you could save by replacing incandescent light bulbs with CFLs, let’s assume you replace one bulb and that this bulb is turned on an average of six hours per day. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you how many bulbs you actually replaced to give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
A single faucet dripping every other second will waste over a thousand gallons of water each year. Saving water and saving energy go hand-in-hand because it takes energy to treat drinking water, transport water, and even to collect water when it goes down the drain.
How much energy could you save by repairing leaky faucets?
If everyone in Corvallis did this, in one year we would save 625 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by fixing a leaking faucet, let’s assume you fix a leaky faucet that drips about 15 gallons per day for one year. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask how many faucets you fixed so we can give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
The average household gets about 1.5 trees in junk mail a year. By removing yourself from the Direct Marketing Association's list, you can cut the hassle and environmental cost of junk mail from your life. The Federal Trade Commission page will show you where to go to stop unwanted mail for five years or the rest of your life; however, they require your social security number. If you'd like to look into other ways of stopping your mail that don't require your social security number, check out this this CBS news feature "How to Stop Junk Mail--Forever."
http://www.campuslife.cornell.edu/campuslife/housing/green-living-guide.cfm https://www.dmachoice.org/MPS/mps_consumer_description.php
Want some professional help cutting your energy bill? Pacific Power and Northwest Natural customers are eligible for a free Home Energy Review from Energy Trust of Oregon. The Energy Trust also offers free energy-saving information online or by phone.
Click here to register for Home Energy Review from Energy Trust of Oregon
Wasted heating surface is wasted energy. For example, a 6-inch pan on an 8-inch burner wastes about 40% of the heating energy. You can save energy in the kitchen by matching the size of your pans to the size of your heating element.
How much energy could you save by matching the pan and element size?
The energy savings for electric and gas stovetops are different, so we’ll calculate the energy savings for each. To estimate how much energy you could save by matching the pan and element size, let’s assume you do this twice per week for 15 minutes each time for a total of 2 hours (8 times a month x 15 minutes = 120 minutes / 60 minutes per hour = 2 hours). If your stove is electric, let’s assume a large burner uses 2,400 watts and a small burner uses 1,200 watts. If your stove is gas, lets’ assume a large flame uses 0.09 therms and a small flame uses 0.02 therms per hour. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you what type of stove you have so we can give you a better estimate of your energy savings.)
Energy Savings for Electric Stove
Energy Savings for Gas Stove
Maintain correct air pressure in your tires
Under-inflated car tires increase the friction between your tire and the road, which increases the amount of energy it takes to move your car and decreases your fuel efficiency. Properly inflated tires save about 3% of your fuel use, the equivalent of saving about $0.12 per gallon.
How much energy could you save by maintaining correct air pressure in your tires?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 10,000 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by maintaining correct air pressure in your tires, let’s assume your car gets 22 miles per gallon and you drive 15,000 miles per year. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you how many mpg your car actually gets so that we can give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
For every 10°F you reduce your hot water temperature, you can save 3-5% of your energy use. But don't lower the temperature on your water heater below 120°F, or unhealthy bacteria can grow in the tank. If you have an electric water heater, we recommend hiring an electrician to help with this action.
How much energy could you save by lowering the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F?
If you do this for one month: 39 pounds CO2 for electric water heaters or 15 pounds CO2 for gas water heaters.
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 8,100 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
The energy savings for electric and gas water heaters are different, so we’ll calculate the energy savings for each. First, let’s assume that you decrease the temperature of your water heater from 140°F to 120°F. Every 10°F reduction lowers water heating-related energy use 3-5%, so let’s be conservative and assume you save 6% (3% for each 10 degree reduction) of your water heating energy. Finally, let’s assume that electric water heater use 5,080 kWh a year and that gas water heaters uses 250 therms a year. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you what type of water heater you have so we can give you a better estimate of your energy savings.)
Showers use a lot of hot water, and thus a lot of energy. If you have an electric water heater, every five minutes you cut from your shower will save about 2 kilowatt hours of electricity use.
How much energy could you save by reducing your shower time by 5 minutes?
If you do this for one month: 24 pounds CO2 for electric water heaters and 7 pounds CO2 for gas water heaters.
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 4,650 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
The energy savings for electric and gas water heaters are different, so we’ll calculate the energy savings for each. To estimate how much energy you could save by reducing your shower time by 5 minutes, let’s assume that you are using a standard shower head, which uses 2.5 gallons per minute, so when you reduce your shower time by five minutes, you save 12 gallons of water (2.5 gallons per minute x 5 minute reduction in shower time = 12 gallons saved per shower). Let’s also assume that you reduce your shower time twice a week all month, for a total of 96 gallons of water saved per month (12 gallons per shower x 8 shorter showers per month = 96 gallons of water saved). Finally, let’s assume that when the water comes into your house from the municipal system, it is about 55oF and that you have your water heater set at 120oF, which means you heat the water 65oF before it comes out of your tap (120oF - 55oF = 65oF). (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you what type of water heater you have so we can give you a better estimate of your energy savings.)
Energy Savings for Electric Water Heaters
Cleaning the clutter from your car can help increase your fuel economy. Every extra 100 pounds in your car increases gas consumption by about 2%.
How much energy could you save by lightening the load in your car?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 5,000 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by lightening the load in your car, let’s assume you remove 100 pounds of extra weight from your car, which decreases your gas consumption by about 2%. Let’s also assume that your car gets 22 miles per gallon (mpg) and that you drive the average of 15,000 miles per year. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you how many mpg your car actually gets to give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Allowing your dishes to air-dry instead of using the drying cycle on your dishwasher can save you up to 1,200 watts per dry cycle. Most dishwashers have a “heat dry” setting that you can turn off before you start a new load of dishes.
How much energy could you save by air-drying your dishes?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 1,650 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by air-drying your dishes, let’s assume your dishwasher dry-cycle uses an additional 1,200 watts of energy for 15 minutes and that you air-dry your dishes three times a week for a total of 12 times per month. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask approximately how many times you did this so we can give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
It takes less energy to bring your house back up to a comfortable temperature when you return home than it does to keep the heat or air conditioner turned up all day. If programming a thermostat seems like a lot of work, there is even a model that will program itself based on your use patterns.
How much energy could you save by installing a programmable thermostat?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 69,000 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
The energy savings for electric and gas furnaces are different, so we’ll calculate the energy savings for each. To estimate how much energy you could save installing a programmable thermostat, let’s assume your electric furnace uses 27,300 kWh in one year and that your gas furnace uses 1,190 therms in one year. Let’s also assume that installing a programmable thermostat can save up to 10% on heating and cooling bills. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you what kind of furnace you have to give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
If you never use your fireplace, it is a great idea to plug up the chimney flue. An unused fireplace lets air leak out of your home, which can increase the amount of energy spent heating your house by up to 30%.
How much energy could you save by plugging and sealing your chimney flue if you don’t use it?
In one month: 700 pounds CO2 for electric furnaces and about 233 pounds CO2 for gas furnaces.
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 139,950 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
The energy savings for electric and gas furnaces are different, so we’ll calculate the energy savings for each. To estimate how much energy you could save by tuning up your furnace, let’s assume your electric furnace uses 27,300 kWh in one year and that your gas furnace uses 1,190 therms in one year. In one study, plugging and sealing your chimney flue saved about 30% of the energy used in the home. Let’s be a little more conservative than that and assume you save 20% of your energy use. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask what kind of furnace you have so we can give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
If you bring your lunch, make sure everything you pack is reusable including your containers, silverware, napkin, and lunch bag. If you eat out, bring a reusable container with you instead of walking away with a plastic bag and Styrofoam to-go boxes.
More inforamtion coming soon.
Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can improve energy efficiency. Keeping your furnace clean, lubricated, and properly adjusted can reduce energy use and save up to 5% of heating costs. If you have a gas furnace, keeping it tuned up can also keep you safe and healthy because a poorly maintained furnace can result in unhealthy levels of carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas).
How much energy could you save by tuning up your furnace?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 35,000 metric tons of CO2 (assume half gas and half electric furnaces), which is equivalent to:
The energy savings for electric and gas furnaces are different, so we’ll calculate the energy savings for each. To estimate how much energy you could save by tuning up your furnace, let’s assume a standard electric furnace uses 27,300 kWh in one year and that a standard gas furnace uses 1,190 therms in one year. Let’s also assume that you save 5% of your heating costs by tuning up your furnace. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask what kind of furnace you have so we can give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Fixing a car that is out of tune or has failed an emissions test improves its gas mileage by an average of 4.0%. But fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40%.
How much energy could you save by tuning up your car?
If everyone in Corvallis did this would save 14,750 metric tons of CO2 in one year, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by tuning up your car, let’s assume that the tune-up improves your gas mileage by 4% and that you currently get 22 miles per gallon (mpg). (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you how many mpg your car actually gets to give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Manual-defrost freezers can use half the energy of automatic-defrost models, but they need to be defrosted periodically to achieve the energy savings. If you allow the frost to build up more than one-quarter of an inch, it acts like an insulator and prevents the freezer coils from cooling.
How much energy could you save by defrosting your manual defrost freezer?
If everyone in Corvallis did this we would save 1,650 metric tons of CO2 in a year, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by defrosting your manual defrost freezer, let’s assume your freezer uses 71 kWh per month (the average for an upright freezer, 17 cu. ft. non-Energy Star freezer) and that defrosting your manual freezer saves you 5% of those energy costs.
A little planning goes a long way. Combining errands into one trip can save you time, gas money, and car maintenance in the long run.
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 120,00 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by combining errands, let’s assume you eliminate driving 50 miles a month. We’ll also assume that your car gets 22 miles per gallon (mpg). (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you how many mpg your car actually gets to give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Dirty coils exchange heat less efficiently than clean ones, so keeping your refrigerator coils clean can raise the efficiency of your refrigerator by 6%. Keeping the coils clean can also extend the life of your refrigerator.
How much energy could you save by cleaning the coils in your refrigerator?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 3,900 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by cleaning the coils in your refrigerator, let’s assume your refrigerator uses 136 kWh each month, which is about average for a frost-free, non-Energy Star refrigerator. Let’s also assume that cleaning the coils increases the efficiency by 6%.
In the winter, it is a great idea to check your furnace filter every other month, and change it if it looks dirty. A dirty furnace filter will slow down airflow and make your heating and cooling system work harder, which requires more energy, to keep you warm. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system, which can lead to expensive maintenance or early system failure.
How much energy could you save by cleaning or replacing your furnace filters?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 35,000 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
We’ll calculate the energy savings for electric and gas furnaces separately because they use different types of energy. To estimate how much energy you could save by cleaning or replacing your furnace filters, let’s assume your electric furnace uses 27,300 kWh in one year and that your gas furnace uses 1,190 therms in one year. Let’s also assume that you save 5% of your heating costs by cleaning or replacing your filter. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask what kind of furnace you have so we can give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Carpooling is one of the easiest ways to make using a car more eco-friendly. Adding one passenger nearly doubles the efficiency of a car. When you have to take a long drive, see if someone you know is going the same way, or check out a ride-sharing website. You can also find carpool partners to help make your daily commute more eco-friendly.
How much energy could you save by carpooling instead of commuting alone?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 54,000 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by carpooling instead of commuting alone, let’s assume you start carpooling for your daily commute, which is about 20 times in one month. Assuming that your car gets 22 miles per gallon (mpg) and that each of your trips is 10 miles, you would carpool for 200 miles this month. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you how many mpg your car actually gets and approximately how many miles you carpooled to give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Over one million plastic bags are consumed worldwide every single minute, and each one of those bags can take up to 1,000 years to decompose in a landfill. Reusable cloth bags make a great substitute, and they carry heavy loads a lot better than disposable bags.
How much energy could you save by using cloth bags instead of plastic or paper?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 2,700 metric tons of CO2 (assuming half plastic and half paper bags are replaced with cloth bags), which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by using a reusable bag, let’s assume you use about 24 bags per month. The energy savings for paper and plastic bags is quite different, so we’ll calculate the energy savings for each. First, we’ll assume that it takes 594 BTUs to produce one plastic bag and about 2,511 BTUs to produce one paper bag. We can’t calculate pounds of CO2 from BTU, so we’ll need to make some assumptions about what kind of energy the manufacturing plant used. In this case, we’ll assume the manufacturing plant recieved half of its energy from electricity (kWh) and half of its energy from natural gas (therms). (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask if you usually use plastic or paper bags, or a combination of both kinds of bags, to give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
Calculating Energy in Plastic Bags
Calculating Energy in Paper Bags
Reducing the amount of time you drive is one of the best ways to reduce your energy use, and biking or walking can help keep you healthy too. The United States imports about nine million barrels of oil every day. In Oregon, most of the CO2 produced comes from oil use in car and truck transportation.
How much energy could you save if you take charge by biking or walking instead of driving?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 12,000 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by walking or biking instead of driving, let’s assume you bike or walk twice per week for 5 miles each trip, for a total of 10 miles per week and 40 miles per month. Let’s also assume that your car gets 22 miles per gallon (mpg). (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you how many mpg your car actually gets to give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)
You can dry your hands without using any energy if you give them a quick wipe on your pants or skirt. But if that technique doesn’t work for you, push the button on the electric dryer instead of reaching for a paper towel. Electric dryers are a lot more energy efficient than paper towels—even towels made from recycled paper. The average paper towel dispenser produces about 4.6 tons of CO2 emissions over five years.
How much energy could you save by not using paper towels to dry your hands?
If everyone in Corvallis did this for a year we would save 226 tons of CO2 , which is equivalent to:
To estimate how much energy you could save by not using a paper towel to dry your hands, let’s assume a paper towel takes 9.716 watts to produce. Let’s also assume that you air-dry your hands twice each day instead of using paper towels. (If you do this action for the Take Charge program and tell us how it went at the end of the month, we’ll ask you to estimate how many times you avoided using a paper towel so we can give you a better estimate of how much energy you saved.)