layer. AC units also use a lot of energy, releasing tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. As we pollute the atmosphere, we destroy the ozone layer, allowing more harmful UV rays in from the sun and warming the planet. As the Earth becomes warmer, we use more AC to cool off, setting up a vicious cycle. Keep your indoor environment comfortable with these cooling ideas: Invest in ceiling fans—they can provide up to 8 degrees of relief from heat and reduce the energy your AC unit expends to cool a room by 15 to 40 percent. Replace existing incandescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescents (CFLs); they use less energy and last about 13 times longer. Turn off lights when they’re not in use and set your thermostat a few degrees higher.
Insulate and weatherize your home. Ensuring that your attic and basement are properly insulated helps improve both the cooling and heating efficiency of your home. Weatheriza- tion is the practice of blocking drafts within a house, which can account for one- to two-thirds of your energy bill. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, families whose homes are weatherized can expect to save more than $350 on their first year’s utility bills. A professional weatherization job can run from $100 to $300, or you can do it yourself. Texas also offers a weatheriza- tion program if you meet certain income requirements. Learn more at
TDHCA.State.tx.us/ea/wap.htm.
Will Bass is the chief operating officer of DeBass Recycling, a re- cycling pickup service for individuals, apartments and businesses in the North Dallas area. Call 972-346-1679. Find more tips like these online at
NotJustRecycling.com. See listing on page 30.
natural awakenings
August 2010
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