On Friday, October 12th, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced that the
2007 Nobel Peace Prize is to be shared between Al Gore Jr. and the International
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The Committee determined that the prize should
be awarded to them because of their efforts to spread awareness of man-made
climate change and laying out measures needed to counteract the change.

The Committee determined that action was necessary at this time before the
climate change moves out of the control of mankind. By awarding this year’s
prize, the Committee is “seeking to contribute to a sharper focus on the
processes and decisions that appear to be necessary to protect the world’s
future climate,” as stated in its award citation.

In light of the Nobel Peace Prize being awarded in 2007 for efforts to reduce
global warming and the Committee’s call to action, many may be renewing their
commitment to “go green” to a greater capacity. We know by reducing our personal
energy use and using alternative sources of energy we make a difference. But
what are some small changes we can make in our homes that will add up to help
the global effort?

1. Change a light bulb – By using a compact fluorescent light
   (CFL) bulb instead of an incandescent light bulb, about 33% less electricity is
   used to produce the same light. The Department of Energy (DOE) notes that CFLs
   use 25% of the energy and last 10 times longer than their incandescent
   counterparts. According to the Energy Federation, each of us will save about
   $36.00 in electricity costs by replacing a 60-watt incandescent bulb with a
   15-watt CFL bulb and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by over 600 pounds.
2. Adjust the thermostat – Raising the thermostat 2° in the
   summer and lowering it 2° in the winter could save 2,000 pounds of CO2 emissions
   a year. Adjusting the thermostat at night or while away from the house will also
   help. Programmable thermostats may also help to increase efficiency. Use fans
   during the summer. A ceiling fan makes about a 4° difference in the
   room.
3. Use less hot water – Set the hot water heater to 120°F.
   Lowering the thermostat on the water heater by 10ºF can save between 3%–5% in
   energy costs, according to the DEO. Washing clothes in cold or warm water saves
   500 pounds of CO2 per year and using a low-flow showerhead saves 350 pounds per
   year. Use an insulating blanket on your water heater and insulate water pipes.
4. Clean or replace filters on furnace, air conditioners, and heat
   pumps – A dirty air filter can result in about 350 pounds more CO2 per
   year.
5. Use energy-saving settings on your appliances - When
   replacing appliances, purchase energy-efficient models. According to the DOE,
   Energy Star labeled appliances can cut utility bills by up to 30%.
6. Insulate heating ducts and pipes in unheated areas such as attics
   and crawlspaces
7. Ensure your furnace and heat pump receives professional maintenance
   each year – Heating can account for almost 50% of a family's energy
   bill in the winter months.
8. Conduct a home energy audit and seal air leaks –
   Concentrate where openings into the house are cut for pipes or cables into the
   home, cracks around windows, gaps around chimneys, or gaps in the siding, brick,
   or foundation. Use fireplace dampers when you are not using your fireplace.
9. Use energy-efficient windows – If window replacement isn’t
   an option, weatherstripping or caulking will increase efficiency by up to 10%.
   The National Fenestration Rating Council label means a window’s performance is
   certified. According to the Efficient Windows Collaborative, Energy Star windows
   can reduce heating bills by up to 40% compared to uncoated, single-pane windows.
   Other tips for windows from the DEO are as follows:
   • Apply sun-control or other reflective films on south-facing windows to
     reduce solar gain.
   • Install awnings on south- and west-facing windows.
   • Close curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day.
   • Install white window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat.
10. Use outdoor lighting with motion sensors and/or a photocell
    unit – Lights will be on only when someone is there, resulting in
    energy savings.
11. Use task lighting, motion sensors, dimmers – These options
    reduce the need for bright ambient lighting of an entire space.
12. Turn lights off when leaving the room – Standard,
    incandescent lights should be turned off when not in use, and fluorescent lights
    should be turned off whenever they are not needed for 15 minutes or more,
    according to the DOE.
13. Turn off or unplug electronic devices when not in use – TVs
    and DVD players can be plugged into power strips; turn the power strips off when
    the equipment is not in use. These electronic devices, as well as cell phone
    chargers, hair dryers, and others, still use power when they are in standby
    mode.
14. Avoid heavily packaged products – By reducing garbage, CO2
    emissions are significantly decreased.
15. Recycle – Save thousands of pounds of CO2 per year by
    recycling household waste.
16. Plant a tree and use recycled paper products – One tree
    absorbs about one ton of CO2 annually. By using recycled paper, we not only
    prevent the loss of trees, but we also save energy. It takes about 80% less
    energy to make recycled paper than what it takes to make the original paper
    product.

In the wake of the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s announcement of the 2007 Nobel
Peace Prize winners, the effects of global warming and each country’s and
person’s use of energy is brought to mind. Small changes in our daily routines
will not only help to reduce the adverse affects of man-made climate changes,
but also will result in personal energy savings. What we can do in our homes
doesn’t seem like much one home at a time, but when we combine our efforts, the
cost savings and CO2 emissions are substantial.