This Christian Life

How to Save on Energy Costs

I’ve heard a few reports on the news that warn of the high cost of natural gas prices this year. They say homes in this area will be spending an additional $75-200 per month on gas bills!

So I’ve been looking at different sites to research how to save energy. There’s a lot to learn about how to save money. I’m going to try a few things like wrapping my water heater, adding insulation in my walls and basement, using compact flourescent lightbulbs, and a installing a programmable thermostat. But the following news is probably the most shocking to me:

Each year, Americans spend more money to power home audio and DVD products when turned off than when actually in use.

Every kWh of electricity you avoid using saves about 11/2 pounds of CO2 from being pumped into the atmosphere. If over the next 15 years, Americans bought only ENERGY STAR qualified products, we would shrink our energy bills by more than $100 billion and eliminate as much greenhouse gas pollution as is produced by 17 million cars for each of those 15 years!

What’s the right response for a responsible Christian in light of our society’s wasteful attitude?

Too Plugged In
Outlook: Cold winter, high heating bills
Heating Costs Expected to Jump This Winter
Energy Information Administration