Energy:
| The US has 4% of the world's population and uses 25% of the world's oil. |
| $106 Billion - Money that left the US in 2000 to import oil. Wealth transferred primarily to the Middle East. |
| 6 Months - Drilling the Arctic National Reguge would supply the US with enough oil to last only 6 months. |
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$13 Billion/Year - Consumer savings if new cars/SUVs increased to 40 mpg (using available technology) |
| Global Warming - US passenger vehicle emissions exceed the total national CO2 emissions of all but 3 countries. |
| CARS - WHAT YOU CAN DO: |
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1) keep car maintained (tires inflated, oil changed, air filter clean) 2) drive less 3) consider hybrid or higher mileage vehicles 4) Tell Congress to increase fuel efficiency requirements to improve: job growth in the US, the environment, and national security. |
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HOMES - WHAT YOU CAN DO: 1. Make use of fans. Keep doors/windows open during the cool times of the day and shut when it is hot. 2. Window film reduces the amount of heat entering your home... and the films are no longer unattractive. 3. Plant trees and shrubs or install awnings adjacent to south facing windows. 4. Swap out incadescent light bulbs with fluorescent 5. Use your microwave instead of your oven 6. Buy ENERGY STAR appliances, air conditioners, and windows. 5. Buy a smaller house. |
| Resources: |
| Union of Concerned Scientists |
| Dangerous Addiction: Ending America's Oil Dependence |
| Arizona Solar Center |
| US Environmnental Protection Agency - Energy STAR |
Recycling:
| In a lifetime, the average American will leave a legacy of 90,000 lbs of trash for his or her children. |
| Energy saved from recycling ONE aluminum can can run a TV for three hours. Energy saved recycling ONE glass bottle will light a lightbulb for four hours. |
| Annually, enough energy is saved by recycling steel to supply Los Angeles with electricity for almost 10 years. |
| Motor oil never wears out, it just gets dirty. It can be reused over and over again reducing our reliance on imported oil. |
| Resources: |
| AZ Dept of Env. Quality - Waste Program Division |
| Arizona Recycling Coalition |
| Earth 911 |
| A faucet drippping one drop per second will waste 2,700 gallons per year. |
| Turn off the water when you shave & brush teeth. |
| Reuse fish tank water on your household plants -- it makes nice fertilizer, too. |
| Resources: |
| Top 5 Actions to Save Water |
| Water Use it Wisely |
| Earth 911 |