CAES Newswire

 College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences UGA Cooperative Extension
Menu
Published on 12/26/13

Resolving to become even greener? Here are some next steps for the already environmentally consious

By Pamela R. Turner

Many Georgians already recycle, compost and use energy-efficient light bulbs. Even these families can further reduce their impact on the environment. For households looking to become even greener in 2014, here are a few simple changes from University of Georgia Extension that can help cut carbon footprints and natural resource consumption.

    • Take a look at your old habits. You don’t have to be uncomfortable to save energy.
  • Do not leave your car running with the air conditioning on.
  • Install light sensors in your home to make sure the lights go out when you leave the room.
  • Turn ceiling fans off when you leave the room. Fans cool people not rooms.
  • Hang up your keys and use public transportation or carpool whenever possible.
  • Install solar panels or a wind turbine.The ultimate goal of anyone wanting to be as energy efficient as possible would be to go Net-Zero, or in best case Net-Positive (using less power than produced, pumping power back onto the grid even after total consumption).
  • Practice the “zero-sum” principal. Zero-sum means that for each new item coming into your home, something old goes out of your home. It is important to note that you are not throwing the removed item in the trash, but rather recycling or repurposing it. Give away unwanted items such as furniture, but recycle items like old appliances and electronics.
  • Build, purchase, or lease a LEED certified or Energy Star qualified home or apartment. If this is not an option, purchase a pre-owned home/apartment as opposed to building a new home with new materials.
  • Have a blower door and duct blaster test conducted on your home’s cooling and heating system. You may be losing more conditioned air than you think.

    For more information on saving energy go to www.fcs.uga.edu/ext/housing or contact your county UGA Extension office at 1-800-ASK-UGA1.

Authors:
Pamela R. Turner
Experts/Sources:
Pamela R. Turner
The UGA GreenWay logo was designed by Oconee County High School student Tracey Pu.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Download Image
UGArden serves as a drop-off point for Athens-Clarke County composting. Anyone can drop off compostable materials at the farm at no charge. For information visit ugarden.uga.edu/home/compost-information. CAES News
Should you be composting? 12/05/23 Laura Ney
Composting has become a popular topic in recent years, and many of us have heard that it is something we should be doing in some form. But why? There are many reasons that individuals, communities and governments promote composting, with some focused on diverting compostable waste from landfills and others who are in it for the dirt.
UGA horticulture Professor Marc van Iersel's research focuses on developing sustainable and cost-effective ways to ensure that crops — such as these turnip plants in a grow room at his greenhouses — get the amount of light they need to grow. CAES News
Controlled environment agriculture poised to become a growth industry 04/21/22 Eric Butterman
Next time you sit down to a crisp, green salad take a little time to think about where your leafy greens come from. Traditional agriculture is highly weather dependent, and many producers of high-value crops are shifting over from field production to controlled environment agriculture.
The virtual solar seminar will help Georgia landowners navigate the complex world of solar energy options. The pictured solar tracking demonstration project was established at UGA in 2015. CAES News
UGA Extension to offer virtual solar energy seminar to inform rural Georgia landowners 05/20/21 Chad Cain
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension is offering a new virtual seminar, “Solar Energy in Rural Georgia: Opportunities and Considerations for Landowners,” on Tuesday, June 8. The event is free and open to the public, but participants must register online.
Greena Kim poses with Chris Rhodes, accepting the $10,000 grand prize. CAES News
Solution to sustainably comfort pets wins $10,000 prize in UGA’s FABricate contest 03/30/21 Sean Montgomery
Every pet owner wants their pet to feel safe and secure, especially on daunting trips to the veterinarian’s office. One major hurdle is the frigid stainless steel tables that offer an unappealing surface for animals that are used to the comfort of home.
Camden County Agriculture and Natural Resources agent Jessica Warren (pictured) worked with Martin Wunderly, area water agent for UGA Extension’s Northeast District, to develop the Georgia Green Landscape Stewards curriculum. CAES News
New UGA Extension program offers green landscape certifications 03/15/21 Maria M. Lameiras
For some residents, a pristinely manicured lawn free of weeds and undisturbed by insects is the ultimate goal. However, a new program from University of Georgia Cooperative Extension encourages creating a more natural landscape that reduces chemical use and incorporates native plants to promote biodiversity and protect the environment.
Recycling doesn't take a lot of extra time or effort. Celebrate Earth Day by evaluating your current recycling plan or create a new one with tips from UGA Extension. CAES News
Celebrate Earth Day at home 04/16/20 Becky Griffin
April 22 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, with the first Earth Day celebrated in 1970 in schools and communities around the United States as a way to call attention to environmental issues. According to the Earth Day Network, the occasion is now celebrated in more than 190 counties.