April 22, 2011 marks the 41st Earth Day and many are calling for Earth Day to be expanded to include issues surrounding energy independence. Those who lobby for energy independence also lobby for the increased use of renewable energy including wind, solar, geothermal and biofuels. Today, renewable energy company Green Mountain Energy Company, is offering some green tips for Earth Month 2011. Green Mountain Energy not only provides “green” energy for consumers such as wind and solar energy, but also offers carbon offset products.
Earth Month 10 Tips for 2011:
- 1. Switch to Cleaner Electricity for Your Home. The production of electricity is the leading cause of industrial air pollution.
- 2. Plant a Tree. A single tree can absorb up to 2,000 pounds of CO2 over its lifetime, while also providing shade and animal habitat.
- 3. Send e-cards. Go online and send an e-card instead of printed greeting cards to save paper and CO2 emissions associated with mailing and shipping.
- 4. Use all-natural decoration. Buy colorful fruits and vegetables as centerpieces throughout the home. Then when they ripen, find a new recipe to enjoy them with.
- 5. Use the real thing. Instead of using paper and plastic dinnerware, use real plates, bowls, and silverware. Not only does it decrease waste, but it looks nicer, too.
- 6. Seal your house up. Caulking and weather stripping around doors, windows, and other cracks can prevent air leaks and save on your heating and cooling bills.
- 7. BYOB. Bring your own bags to the grocery store. It takes one 15- to 20-year-old tree to make enough paper for 700 grocery bags.
- 8. Pay bills online. If every family in the United States viewed and paid bills online, the country would save almost 1 billion pounds of paper and avoid 3.9 billion pounds of GHGs.
- 9. Practice green gift wrapping. Use old maps or newspaper and reuse gift bags.
- 10. Live every day like it’s Earth Day. Take a pledge as a household to practice sustainability every day of the year.
Want to make these tips stick? Green Mountain Energy suggests that you engage in the eco-activities as an entire family.