I can't help but notice my neighbor runs the air conditioner with their windows open all summer. They drive 2 cars and always put out 5 or more bags of trash each garbage day. I guess they have short memories. As we come up on the anniversary of the great blackout of 2003 I thought it appropriate to post something on the subject prior to that date (August 14 ,2003) I did some research on compact fluorescent light bulbs on another blog of mine a while back and came across some interesting information regarding energy consumption. With Ontario about to fire up more Nuclear reactors isn't it time we all tried to do something other than consume.. Want to make a difference? Its as easy as changing a light bulb.
Every little bit helps. Replacing just ONE 60-watt incandescent light bulb with a 20-watt compact fluorescent in every Canadian household (more than 12 million of them) would save up to $73 million a year in energy costs. It would also reduce GHG emissions by almost 400,000 tonnes —the equivalent of taking more than 66,000 cars off the road.
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Images taken by a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellite show light coverage in the northeastern United States on a normal night, Wednesday, left, and during the massive power blackout on Thursday. It is estimated about 50 million Americans and Canadians were affected by the power outage
The One-Tonne challenge asks you to reduce your annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by one tonne.
How? Use less energy. Conserve water and resources. Reduce waste.
Fewer emissions means protecting our climate and having cleaner air and healthier communities for all Canadians. And saving energy puts more money in your pocket.Use more-efficient light bulbsThe amount of electricity needed to light a Canadian home results in almost one third of a tonne of GHGs each year. By replacing five of the most used standard bulbs in your home with ENERGY STAR®-qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs, you can reduce your GHGs and save about $30 each year
Government of Canada
On December 17, 2002, the Government of Canada announced its ratification of the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
In the Speech from the Throne, on February 2, 2004, the Government of Canada reiterated its commitment:
... we will engage Canadians directly. Our One Tonne Challenge aims to raise awareness and provide Canadians with information on how their individual consumption choices contribute to the emissions that drive climate change. The objective – the challenge – is to reduce emissions by 1,000 kilograms per person, per year. Because environmental stewardship must be everybody's responsibility."
I took the challenge...My GHG Emissions Report
Based on your answers, your annual GHG emissions are estimated at:
2.15 Tonnes (2154 kg).
If everyone in your household contributed equally that would mean your total emissions would be 8.6 tonnes.
Excellent results! Your emissions are well below the national average. You'd make an ideal One-Tonne Challenge ambassador! Spread the word and let your neighbors, friends and family know how they can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions! On average, each Canadian produces over 5 tonnes of GHG emissions per year.
