As we transition into the colder months, it's important to stock up, "button-up" and do our best to keep the cold out and the heat in! The number one way to save energy (and heating costs) is to keep the cold from penetrating your home. A changing climate means higher extremes - both hot and cold - to stay warm this winter let's do our best to have little impact on the environment.
This month we provide tips on how to prep for winter, conserve energy, as well as some updates from the recent climate summit. Let's consider our planet as OUR NUMBER ONE PROVIDER!
For those of you new to the scene, a quick catch up... we’re looking to our community of friends and yogis to consider adopting new environmentally friendly changes each month for 12 months. Keep the suggestions and efforts coming and we'll add them to our list.
Join our force of concerned yogis that can change our minds and therefore, anything.
::: PREP FOR WINTER :::
Can or freeze local fruits - here are some links on how to savor the local fruits for winter (It's cheaper - and better for the environment!)
Root veggies are ripest when the first frost sets in - but can also be saved for later in the winter! https://mindovermunch.com/blog/winter-root-vegetables/
Freeze in glass containers or reusable plastic.
::: CONSERVE ENERGY :::
FREE WAYS TO SAVE
1. Use a lower thermostat setting. You will save up to 3 percent on your heating bill per degree lowered over a 24 hour period.
2. Seal your chimney flue when not in use. Leaving your chimney flue open when not in use is the same thing as opening your window several inches.
3. Use fans to circulate air. Set on low, a fan can circulate air upward toward the ceiling forcing the warmer air downward.
4. Keep vents and radiators clear. This allows the air to circulate freely and you to get the full benefit of the warm air and put less strain on your furnace.
5. Clean vents, radiators, etc. This allows the air to flow freely into your rooms and promotes equal heat radiation.
6. Pay attention to your windows - 10-25% of a home's heat loss is through windows! Open curtains and shades on south-facing windows during the day and place blankets over uncovered windows and drapes at night.
7. Shut the doors. If the room is not used, why heat it? Shut the doors and close the vent when you are not in the room.
INEXPENSIVE WAYS TO SAVE
CHECK OUT THE LINKS FOR MORE INFO!
1. Use a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat can help you save 10-20% on your energy bill year round. Cost: $20 and up.
2. Change air filters to permit a better air flow through the system. This also reduces the strain on your furnace, extending its life. Change the filter monthly, or whenever it is dirty. Bonus benefit – cleaner, healthier air! Cost: $2-10.
3. Seal the leaks in your house around doors, windows, near the attic, where wires/cables enter your house, and around electrical outlets. Seal gaps with caulk or weather stripping. Cost: $5 and up. Savings: 10-20% of heating bill.
4. Add insulation to your house. Basement insulation is often overlooked and will help keep your house warmer during winter months.
5. Seal heating ducts – Most ducts have small leaks that allow heated air to slowly escape. Prevent this with a roll of metallic tape (don’t use duct tape – it degrades over time!). Cost: $10 and up.
6. Insulate heating ducts - You can lose up to 60% of heat before it reaches the outlet, particularly if non-insulated ducts travel through unheated spaces such as the attic or basement. Cost: $10 and up. Savings: 10%+ of energy bill.
7. Use space heaters. Turn the heat down to 55 at night and use a space heater in your bedroom. Be careful when using space heaters – keep them clear of walls and flammable objects. Cost: $15-$35
8. Humidifiers can reduce heating costs because moist air retains heat better than dry air. Cost: $30 and up.
9. Air Vent Booster. An air-vent booster is a fan you install over your vent that works by drawing additional air into a room that is always way too hot or cold. It helps lower our utility bills and can save a lot of energy. An example is the AirFlow Breeze, which costs about $50.
10. Install heavy duty, clear plastic window treatments and reduce the amount of heat loss through your windows. This is a great idea if your windows are single pane windows. Cost: $5 and up. Save up to 10% of heating costs.
CHECK OUT THE LINKS FOR LOCAL EVENTS, RESOURCES, AND MORE...
SEVCA Weatherization Services - see if you qualify got free services!
SEVCA Free Financial-Fitness Workshops - every Tuesday from 5:30-7 :00pm at Red Clover Commons, Brattleboro through October 22
Button-Up Vermont Events: https://buttonupvermont.org/
Efficiency Vermont Rebates - Increased to $4,000 for moderate income households!
::: CLIMATE ACTION UPDATES :::
GLOBAL CLIMATE STRIKE - WHAT'S NEXT?
The Global Climate Strike has shown we have the people power we need to solve the climate crisis and end the age of fossil fuels. But the biggest climate mobilization in history simply won’t be enough if people just go home!
UNITED NATIONS CLIMATE ACTION SUMMIT
UPDATES FROM SEPT 23 SUMMIT!
In the face of worsening climate crisis, UN Summit delivered new pathways and practical actions to shift global response into higher gear!!
STILL TIME TO SIGN THE PETITION
TELL CONGRESS TO DECLARE A CLIMATE EMERGENCY NOW.
SIGN THE PETITION https://climateemergency.us
OR JOIN AN ORGANIZATION, REACH OUT TO OTHERS, GET UPDATES
an innovation lab that develops and launches policy frameworks, messaging, and organizing approaches to accelerate the global transition into “Emergency Mode” to address the climate emergency.
Southern Vermont Chapter https://www.facebook.com/svtxr/
This is a non-violent rebellion against the US government for its
inaction of the ecological crisis. The group asks for honesty, action, democratic assembly, and a focus on those most vulnerable.
Vermont Chapter https://350vermont.org/
An international movement of ordinary people working to end the age of fossil fuels and build a world of community-led renewable energy for all.
See their events here https://350vermont.org/calendar/