10 Easy Things Residents of Saco can do to fight Global Warming and save on energy bills

---

Climate scientists are in strong agreement that carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels is affecting the Earth's climate. If global warming is left unchecked, scientists predict that the climate of Boston could become more like that of Atlanta, Georgia by 2100.

Saco, as a coastal community, is more likely to feel some of the effects of global warming - such as sea level rise and more intense flood-producing rains - than inland locations. Other effects we can expect to see include heat waves and associated increases in smog and asthma, fewer sap-producing sugar maples essential to Maine's maple syrup industry, and the northward spread of disease-carrying insects.

Save money and protect Maine's environment by cutting down your global warming pollution with 10 simple tips:

1. CHANGE A LIGHT - Replace one regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb (from the local hardware store) and save 150 pounds of carbon dioxide a year. Go an extra step - purchase your home's electricity from renewable source - if possible.
2. DRIVE LESS - Walk, bike, carpool, combine errands, or use public transportation when you can. You'll save one pound of carbon dioxide for every mile you don't drive.
3. RECYCLE - Saco has a top notch curbside recycling program. Save thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide each year by recycling your paper, plastics, glass, and metals.
4. CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE - Check your car's tire pressure regularly. Properly inflated tires improve gas mileage by more than 3%. Every gallon of gas saved prevents 20 pounds of carbon dioxide pollution.
5. WATCH YOUR HOT WATER - It takes lots of energy to heat water. Install inexpensive, low-flow showerheads (350 pounds of carbon dioxide saved per year) and wash your clothes in cold or warm water instead of hot (500 pounds saved per year).
6. TURN IT DOWN - Move your thermostat down just 2 degrees in winter and save several hundred pounds of carbon dioxide per year. Go an extra step - evaluate your insulation levels or hire an energy auditor to recommend energy-saving tips.
7. PLANT A TREE - A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime.
8. UNPLUG IT/TURN IT OFF - Simply turn off your TV, DVD player, stereo, and computer when you're not using them and save thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide a year. Battery chargers and appliances such as microwaves with lit displays use energy (sometimes lots) whenever they are plugged in - consider leaving them unplugged when not in use. Go an extra step - check out your electric bill. The U.S. Department of Energy says a typical American house uses 830 kilowatt hours or electricity per month - how does yours measure up?
9. CHOOSE ENERGY STAR - Look for the Energy Star seal when purchasing new appliances. Follow Energy Star guidelines when building or renovating your home.
10. EAT LOCALLY - The average meal travels 2,000 miles from farm to table. Energy expended harvesting, processing, and transporting our food is a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions. Purchase produce, seafood, and other foods from Maine whenever possible.

To learn what else you can do visit the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) website at http://www.maineenvironment.org . These tips were adapted from NRCM's own brochure.

Return to the energy initiative page.