There is an ever increasing mass of scientifically supported evidence that indicates that global warming is more than simply a theory, but a growing crisis that threatens the existence of many plant and animal species as well as the livelihood of people throughout the globe.
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Energy efficiency and conservation go a long way toward preserving our planet's rich natural resources and promoting a healthy environment. By making simple changes in our everyday lives, we can make significant strides to improve the environment and reduce our impact upon it. As an individual, be it at home, or in the store, or at the office, you can have a positive affect on the environment everyday, simply by making small changes in your daily life.
As part of our new, Democratic agenda in the House of Representatives, I supported H.R. 6, legislation passed in the first 100 hours we were in control of Congress. This legislation rolls back subsidies for big oil companies and moves that money into alternative energy research that will reduce our dependence upon oil. I will continue to work to improve the environment through legislation in Congress, however, the actions of individuals and their demand for environmentally responsible products need to be a part of any real improvement in our environment.
Three simple words to live by: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. These three "Rs" are easy to remember and fairly self-explanatory. Where possible, reduce your consumption. Reuse items when possible. Recycle and ensure there is a market for your recyclables by purchasing recycled products when available.
I have enclosed a list of ways in which small changes in your lifestyle can make a big difference to our planet.
In your home- Conserve Energy
- Lower the thermostat on your water heater.
- Turn off unneeded lights when leaving a room.
- Set your refrigerator temperature at 36-38 and your freezer at 0 to 5.
- Clean the lint filter in your dryer after every load so that it uses less energy.
- Unplug seldom used appliances.
- Use a microwave whenever you can instead of a conventional oven or stove.
- Wash clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot.
- Only keep the water running to wet razor or toothbrush when shaving and brushing teeth.
- Use compact fluorescent light bulbs to save money and energy.
- Plant trees to shade your home.
- Replace old windows with energy efficient ones.
- Shade outside air conditioning units by trees or other means.
- Recycle and purchase recycled products.
At work- In your office
- Copy and print on both sides of paper.
- Reuse items like envelopes, folders & paper clips.
- Use email instead of paper correspondence.
- Encourage your company or school to print documents with soy based inks, which are less toxic.
- Use a ceramic coffee mug instead of a disposable cup.
- Recycle printer cartridges.
- Shut off electrical equipment when you leave for the evening.
- Join a carpool or vanpool to get to work.
- Use discarded paper for scrap paper.
- Encourage your company or school to recycle and purchase recycled products.
For more information on what you can do to preserve and improve the environment, please visit the EPA website at www.epa.gov For any other questions or concerns, please contact me in my
"Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children." - Ancient Native American Proverb
