When it comes to what’s on the air, America is tuning in–the average home has more televisions than people and each member is watching more than four hours a day–and we’re seeing it all bigger and brighter thanks to advances like flat-screens and HD. While all this viewing is a boost for the people of prime time, it’s hardly the best thing for the environment. Where we once bought 19-inch sets, we’ve upgraded to 40-something inch screens (and bigger). Not only do these TVs use more resources in their creation, they eat through electricity at a much higher level than older varieties, especially in homes that are “average” by Nielsen Rating Standards and have a television on for more than eight hours a day. One 47-inch television can go through almost 400 kWh in a year if on for four hours a day and that’s excluding other elements like DVD players or cable boxes.

But as of November 1, buyers can opt for televisions that meet the EPA’s new, more comprehensive energy-efficiency specification. These televisions will be up to 30 percent more energy efficient than conventional models and adhere to a higher standard than even the previous energy-efficiency system. What kind of change could made by consumers choosing these eco-friendly models? If everyone who bought a television this year selected an EPA Energy Star model we could save about $1 billion in energy costs annually and the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions would be equal to that of about 1 million cars. Click here to read more

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Daily Greenz #152

1.  Okay, so we know you’ve heard this one before, but we can’t emphasize it enough: replace your standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents (CFLs). Given that the average home has about 30 light bulbs, using CFLs would save about $200 a year and nearly $1,100 over the life of the bulbs. Plus, you’ll be reducing your energy consumption (and responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions). Calculate your energy savings on GE’s website.

2.  Stop buying plastic water bottles. The average American buys 167 bottles of water per year. At close to $2 a bottle, that adds up to about $335 – nearly a dollar a day. Instead, invest in a reusable water bottle and a home filtration system. Even at $20 for an aluminum Sigg bottle and $60 for a Brita system and replacement filters, you’ll have an extra $276 to spend on something else.

3. Clean up your household cleaners. Cutting down on the variety of cleaners you use reduces the waste produced by all that packaging, and choosing products made from natural ingredients with no toxic synthetics is much healthier for both your respiratory system and the earth. Instead of buying multiple cleaners for each different surface, choose an all purpose cleaner like Method All Purpose Cleaner or Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner. Both are biodegradeable, non-toxic, and derived from natural ingredients. 

4. Unplug phantom appliances. Many appliances continue to sip electricity while they’re plugged in, even if they’re turned off or not in use - think cell phone chargers. Make your life a little bit easier by using a power strip, so you only have to unplug a few times. This small change in routine can actually help you save big - Energy Star estimates that 40% of the electricity that home electronics use is consumed while the products are turned off. One Berkeley study concluded that you can save up to 25% on your bill. With the average American family spending $1,400 a year on electricity, that could amount to a $364 savings.

5.  Switch to a low-flow showerhead. We particularly like the Panda Rain Eco-friendly Shower Head, which basically conserves the water that’s wasted while you’re waiting until it reaches the perfect temperature. Even conserving that seemingly small amount can save you up to $75 and 2,700 gallons of water per year.

The average American can save up to $1000 a year by incorporating these simple, eco-friendly changes - all while reducing negative environmental impact.

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Daily Greenz #51

In the day and age of instant gratification, even changing the world is getting to be a snap. 18 seconds is all it takes to change a regular light bulb for a compact florescent light (CFL) bulb, which can last up to 10 times longer, and save you and the world a ton of money and energy! These Energy Star bulbs use less energy and provide that same amount of light as a standard bulb. In fact, if every person in the U.S. switched just one bulb for a CFL bulb, it would altogether save more than $8 billion in energy costs, eliminate the need to burn 30 billion pounds of coal, and effectively remove 2 million cars’ worth of gas emissions from our atmosphere. So do your part in slowing down global warming by buying one from any local store that sells light bulbs or check out our lighting section to buy them online. Want to know how many others in the U.S. are buying CFL bulbs and changing the world, state by state? Visit 18seconds.org to see how your state ranks.

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