Homes
TV, Computer, and Other Electronic Devices: Screening for Energy Efficiency
Many of our jobs require us to use computers, phones and/or tablets at work and in our homes. These devices also provide us with pleasure, distraction, and connection. Right now, they’re made and shipped in fossil-fuel-intensive ways, but there are ways to power and use them that can reduce their contribution to climate change.
Household: Use your devices until they stop working well: this saves money and energy. When you get new electronic equipment, look for Energy Star products—currently the most efficient on the market. For more information, see the EnergyStar website.
Workplaces, especially offices, are particularly good places to increase energy efficiency: the initial expense is paid for by energy savings, and it’s a way to get more of us switching faster to using less energy. Whether you’re the boss or someone else is, take every opportunity to recommend switching the office power strips to “advanced”, energy-saving ones, and choosing EnergyStar options when it’s time to replace equipment.
Community: Propose an energy efficiency challenge, like this one, for your workplace or social organization. How about organizing a “donate, educate and install” day for a community or neighborhood? You can frame this in the context of saving money and/or team-building as well as of reducing emissions.