CAMP HUMPHREYS -- The month of October is designated as "Energy Action Month," and the U.S. Army Garrison Environmental Division is calling for all employees and tenant units to join in to conserve energy during the month and beyond.
They opened the month with an information booth at the Humphreys Exchange Oct. 7. They provided information on installation energy savings projects, best management practices for conserving energy at home and in the office, along with info about their energy and water conservation programs.
"Through active participation and support of Energy Action Month activities, U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys can raise the level of energy awareness throughout the command and in turn facilitate the achievement of our energy conservation, efficiency and security goals," said Onsemus "Keith" Smith, chief, Pollution Prevention and Compliance Branch for the Environmental Division..
He said the Army is partnering with Soldiers, civilians and their family members in changing energy behavior. Through these efforts, the Army continues to reduce energy demands and improve operational capabilities to enhance mission effectiveness, and reduce its dependence on traditional energy sources. The Army will continue to expand the use of renewable energy sources on its installations and increase efficiency and reduce costs.
The Humphreys Environmental Division is using October to reemphasize its daily commitment to execute energy awareness activities, promote energy security, and improve energy conservation. The following are some suggestions to help reduce energy:
-Use compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or light emitting diodes (LEDs) -- CFLs can save three-quarters of the electricity used by incandescent. The best targets are 60-100W bulbs used several hours a day.
-Hang outside to dry - get a clothes line or rack to dry your cloths. Your cloths will last longer and you will save money.
-Use warm or cold water setting on washer - instead of the hot cycle use the warm or cold setting. This will save a lot of energy a year.
-Turn off your lights - An easy one. Turn off your lights when you are not using them. The benefits are obvious.
-Buy rechargeable batteries- Even though it will take a good investment to buy these you will find yourself gaining it back in no time.
-Air-dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher drying cycle.
-Turn electronic devices off when you are not in the room such as lights, TVs, entertainment systems, and your computer and monitor.
-Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use.
-Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F.
-Take short showers instead of baths and use low-flow showerheads for additional energy savings.
-Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.
-Encourage family members, friends, and neighbors to join the energy conservation movement.
-Check to see that windows and doors are closed when heating or cooling your home.
-Reduce your air conditioning costs by planting shade trees and shrubs around your house especially on the west side.
-Look for ENERGY STAR® label on light bulbs, home appliances, electronics, and other products. ENERGR STAR® products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
-Check for air leaks around your walls, ceilings, windows and doors.
-Clean or replace filters on furnaces and air conditioners once a month or as recommended by the manufacturer.
-Close your curtains and shades at night to protect against cold drafts; open them during the day to let in warming sunlight.
-Place the faucet lever on the kitchen sink in the cold position when using small amounts of water; placing the lever in the hot position draws hot water even though it may never reach the faucet.
-Replace aging, inefficient appliances. Replacing old appliances with top-efficiency models are a good investment and saves energy.
-Use small electric pans, toaster ovens, or convection ovens for small meals rather than your large stove or oven. A toaster or convection oven uses one-third to one-half as much energy as a full-sized oven.
-Keep range-top burners and reflectors clean; they will reflect the heat better, and you will save energy.
-Upgrade your computer and monitor. Consider replacing your desktop computer with a notebook computer and docking station, and your cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor with a liquid crystal display (LCD) or LED monitor.
-Insulate hot water pipes, to prevent heat loss and insulate heating ducts in unheated areas, such as attics and crawlspaces.
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