I have read that cutting energy use can reduce our carbon footprint. How does that work here when we rely on hydroelectric power?
A carbon footprint measures how much we impact the environment through our actions — whether that’s running a gas mower, driving the car or using electricity and natural gas. Although the Northwest gets much of its electricity from dams, hydropower cannot meet all our electricity needs. Some 40 percent of what we use is produced with coal or natural gas.
“Climate change has an effect on the region’s snow pack, which has direct implications on our hydro system,” said Dick Wallace, vice chair and western Washington’s representative on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. “Water in the snowpack and our reservoirs are the best battery around. It’s in our interest to be stewards of it.”
Reduce energy use
Using energy more wisely makes sense for the environment and for the pocketbook. Seal and insulate your home to make it more comfortable, save money on your energy bill and reduce the amount of energy your home uses. Similarly, buy EnergyStar products, which are guaranteed to use significantly less energy than other products.
If you haven’t yet done so, switch incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs use 75 percent less energy and last about 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
Clark Public Utilities customers can support the development of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, by enrolling in Green Lights.
But saving energy is just one thing you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some others:
• Reduce the number miles driven. If feasible, ride your bike, walk or take mass transit to work or the store a couple times a week. Telecommute if possible. Group errands to minimize the number of trips you take. Carpool with neighbors to events or take turns being the chauffeur for neighborhood children. Make sure your car’s tires are properly inflated so the vehicle will burn less gas and emit less carbon.
• Cut back around the house. Water systems require energy to operate, so you’ll be helping the environment by reducing water use, plus you’ll save on your water bill. Fix drippy faucets and leaky toilets. Water lawns during the coolest part of the day.
• Reduce, reuse and recycle. Buy durable, long-lasting products when possible. Opt for reusable bags — or no bag at all if your purchase can easily be carried home.
When your children outgrow clothes, give them to younger children or donate them to nonprofit groups. Make it a challenge to see what items you can reuse such as paper that’s been through the printer only once, aluminum foil that’s easily washed or a personal water bottle that can be filled at the tap.
Recycling uses less energy than making new products. Use curbside recycling or other options.
The Energy Adviser is written by members of the energy counselor team of Clark Public Utilities, who provide conservation and energy use information to utility customers. Send questions to energyadviser@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA. 98668. A panel of local energy efficiency and energy product specialists will review your questions. Previous topics are available at http://www.clarkpublicutilities.com.
