The Ithaca Journal
December 9, 2009
Tompkins environmental group urges conservation to reduce natural gas
demand
http://www.theithacajournal.com/article/20091209/NEWS01/912090346
[email protected]
Staff Writer
Environmentalists are urging Tompkins County residents to "walk our
talk" when it comes to opposing drilling for Marcellus Shale gas in the
region.
Sustainable Tompkins is calling on people to reduce the demand for
natural gas used in heating, electricity generation and synthetic
fertilizers. The organization intends to track the collective impact of
individual actions through its Web site, sustainabletompkins.org, as
part of the Marcellus Challenge campaign.
"We'll let elected officials know how many people have made pledges,
what counties they represent and how much they are willing to reduce
their consumption of fossil fuels," the Web site states. "Together we
can send a statement to all New Yorkers about taking responsibility for
our shared future!"
Eventually, organizers also hope to offer online personalized support
for individual households, allowing people to upload utility records
and measure their progress toward goals they set.
Some of the recommended actions include:
* Setting the thermostat at 68 degrees or less while at home and awake,
down to 58 degrees or less while away or sleeping, which could produce
a 3 percent savings for each degree lowered.
* Turning down the water heater to 120 degrees or lower, which could
save $20-60.
* Sealing air leaks around windows, doors, chimneys and furnace
ductwork, which could save up to $500.
* Line drying clothes, which could save up to $200.
* Using cold water to wash at least 80 percent of laundry, which could
save up to $75.
* Installing high-efficiency shower heads, which could save $20 per
person per year.
* Installing power strips to completely turn off home office and
entertainment equipment, which could save up to $100.
* Buying at least 25 percent of food from local sources, and growing an
additional 5 percent in one's own garden.
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For more information about sustainability in the Tompkins County area, please
visit: http://www.sustainabletompkins.org/
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