Commit to as many actions as possible to reduce your energy consumption and in friendly competition see who can score the most points in moving you and your family toward a lower carbon footprint. Report your score using the DGFUMC Contact Form (choose 'Environmental Stewardship' as the category). Here are the final action items.
Action Items
- Limit the length and temperature of showers (a family of 4 limiting shower time under 5 minutes can reduce 1,000 lb/ yr. CO2 - 2 pts.
- Install a motion detector on outdoor lights - 3 pts.
- Pull shades/ close drapes to reduce heat loss overnight- in summer pull shades to prevent direct sunlight through windows - 2 pts.
- Eliminate or reduce use of weed killers and fertilizer in the yard (the average American lawn uses more pesticides/ fertilizer per acre than any commercial crop) - 3 pts.
- Add more insulation to attics (and walls if accessible)- majority of homes are under- insulated - 10 pts.
- Car pool if mass transit not feasible - 2 pts.
- Keep car properly tuned- filters replaced - 3 pts.
- Take shorter driving vacations rather than flying - 3 pts.
- Buy electric or hybrid fuel efficient car getting at least 40 MPG (consider life cycle cost including increasing fuel costs over life of vehicle) - 20 pts.
- If eating out prioritize local restaurants - 1 pt.
- Choose concentrated and bulk items where appropriate - 1 pt.
- Avoid purchase of gifts that are neither wanted or needed just to have a gift - 1 pt.