One of the biggest threats to a clean and healthy future is in our energy use. And as our climate emergency continues to move average temperatures up, energy use has been increasing along with it.

Every summer, air conditioning units begin to blow through kilowatt hours, putting a drain on the power grid. The drain on drinking water is no less worrisome in warmer months, as it takes 25 gallons of water to produce each of those kilowatt hours at the local power plant1.

Of the total energy consumed in the United States, about 40% is used to generate electricity, making electricity use an important part of each person's environmental footprint2. Fossil fuels — coal, petroleum, and natural gas — are our main sources of energy, producing about 85% of fuel, electricity, and heat used by people across the globe3. Fossil fuels are also the primary culprit behind climate change.

It's a self-perpetuating cycle that could destroy our planet if more people don't stand up and make a difference.

There are hundreds of things you can do every day to reduce energy consumption. And cutting down energy use is the most important thing you can do to secure our future from the negative effects of unreliable, unstable, and environmentally damaging energy sources.

Here are some energy-saving tasks you can do throughout the year to reduce your carbon footprint at home:

• Clean furnace, air conditioner and heat pump filters.
• Clean dryer lint filter after each load.
• Do laundry and other energy intensive chores during off-peak hours (at night and on weekends).
• Put an insulating blanket on your hot water heater.
• Install window film to reduce heat loss/ gain.
• Caulk or weather-strip doors and windows.
• Seal heating ducts.

Here are some ideas for saving energy at the office:

• Turn off equipment and lights after hours.
• Lap top computers for employees use up to 90% less energy.
• Install bike rack and reimburse employees for bicycle purchases.
• Organize office carpools and reduce parking prices for car-poolers.
• Offer reimbursement for use of public transit.
• Replace old equipment with "Energy Star" certified models.
• Schedule an energy audit of your business.

It doesn't take much to incorporate these tasks into your routine, and in return, a cleaner world for all. Sign the Green Ribbon Pledge below and stand up for a greener, healthier future!

More on this issue:

1. The United states Environmental Protection Agency (22 December 2016), "Climate Impacts on Energy."
2. The United states Environmental Protection Agency (12 August 2019), "Learn about Energy and its Impact on the Environment."
3. Center for Biological Diversity, "Energy and Global Warming."