SaveEnergyAmerica.org

Welcome to Save Energy America — the leading resource on the Web for exploring novel ideas on reducing America’s (and the world’s) energy consumption.

As you likely know, America has just 5 percent of the world’s population — but it consumes 25 percent of the world’s energy. Amazing but true.

As with all properly run brainstorming sessions, “everything goes”. That is, all ideas are good ideas…as even the most bizarre concept may spark or refine another idea. Premature censorship is an idea’s biggest enemy. We won’t let that happen here.

Scroll through the idea posts below. Add your comments and inventive energy-saving ideas.

Let’s tap the power of America’s creativity to help reduce our energy use — so we can leave a better future to the generations that follow.

Even when you unplug your cell phone from its charger, it is still drawing energy from the electrical outlet.

From www.change.org:

“Let’s just look at cell phones, of which there are an estimated 190 million in the United States. A quick back of the envelope calculation says that the combined stand-by usage [when cell phone is not attached, but charger is still connected to a power outlet] of all those cell phone chargers, each drawing a measly watt, could add up to 190 megawatts per day. That’s enough to power approximately 100,000 homes.”

Your innocent-looking dishwasher is one of your home’s biggest energy vampires. Here are a few easy tricks for significant energy savings:

* Turn off or skip the dry cycle — and save up to 50% of the energy! If you wash your dishes in the evening, simply unlatch the dishwasher’s door. The small airspace that appears after unlatching will allow air to circulate — and your dishes will be dry by the morning! Depending on dishwasher model, your energy savings could be $25 - $50 per year.

* Use the “energy saver” cycle. Most modern dishwashers let you select an economical mode of operation. Use it. You’ll probably not notice the difference.

* Reduce the on-board water-temperature setting. Again, most modern dishwashers let you select the temperature that they heat water to. The default setting is typically 140 degrees. Reduce it to 120 degrees. You’ll save a bundle on your energy bill — without reducing the cleanliness of your dishes.

* Break the habit of pre-rinsing dishes. In the “old days” of dishwashers, you needed to give the dishes a quick scrub ‘n’ rinse to make sure the dishwasher could finish the job. But any dishwasher produced over the last 15 years, or so, do a marvelous job of washing even very grimy dishes. Just scrape off major foodstuffs and let the dishwasher do the rest.

* Don’t run the dishwasher until you have a full load. Whether you have a few dishes in the machine or it’s chock full, the dishwasher uses the same amount of water and energy. So wait an extra day. You’ll be surprised how much electricity and energy you will save.

Sure, the energy-saving dishwasher tips posted above will make your wallet or purse happy. But you’ll also be doing your part to help the planet.

According to New Energy Watch:

“If 10,000 people do not use their dishwashers’ drying cycle, in one year the CO2 averted will have the effect of planting 3,343 trees. “

And that’s just the CO2 savings with just one of the suggested energy-saving tips. Put them all to use for even more planet-healthy benefits.

Did you know that up to 85% of the cost of cleaning clothes in a washing machine is due to heating the water?

Simply choosing a cooler water setting can save you loads of energy.

Today’s modern “cold water” detergents are designed to perform with (of course) cold water — and do a great job. Break your old hot-water habit. And watch your energy costs go down the drain.

Carroll Energy Solutions (CES) has some GREAT tips for saving money with your clothes dryer. Here are the highlights:

* Use the clothes dryer’s auto-dry cycle. The auto-dry feature uses a sensor to prevent over drying your clothes. You’ll not only save energy and reduce your household utility bill, but is easier on your clothes.

* Dry lightweight items (socks, underwear, etc.) in their own load. Separating lightweight items from heavier items (jeans, towels, etc.) will decrease your drying time. And, even though you may have to run the dryer two times, you’ll still save on total energy consumption.

* Take your clothes out from the dryer right away to minimize the need for ironing. If clothes are warm and slightly damp, just give them a shake and hang them up. In most cases, you’ll eliminate the need to iron your clothes…saving effort, time, and — of course — electricity costs.

* Run the dryer, back to back, for multiple loads. If you dry one load of clothes right after another, you’ll leverage the heat that’s still in the dryer — and, thus, save power and energy costs.

* Of course, in sunny weather, consider hanging clothes on a clothesline. You’ll get a triple benefit: You’ll get some fresh air. You’ll save utility costs. And, since you’re not using any electricity or fossil fuels, you’re doing something good for the planet.

Leaves as a more earth-friendly biofuel feedstock for the creation of ethanol.

In America, alone, up to 30 million tons of leaves end up in landfills every year.

With the growing trend towards the development and creation of “biofuels” — particularly ethanol from various biomass elements (such as corn) — tree leaves may be an appealing option.

Unlike corn ethanol production, the utilization of tree leaves to produce cellulosic ethanol would not increase the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Why? Because tree leaves do not require fertilizers or other contributions from fossil fuels to grow.

What is the economic fuel value of 30 million tons of leaves?

As of November 2006, the average open-market price of coal was $34 per ton (source: U.S. Department of Energy). Considering that 30 million tons of leaves has the equivalent energy value of 18.45 million tons of coal, the equation would be: 18.45 million tons of coal x $34 per on = 627.3 million dollars.

What is the energy equivalent of 30 million tons of leaves?

30 million tons of leaves have the equivalent calorific energy value of 18.45 million tons of coal.

Additional benefit: The elimination of 30 million tons of landfill waste.

The emergence of a leaves-to-energy industry would also have the fringe benefit of eliminating the 30 million tons of leaves added to landfills annually, greatly reducing municipal landfill costs and requirements.

Bottom line:

As biofuel feedstock for cellulosic ethanol production and / or as a secondary fuel in cleaner-burning, coal-based power plants, the potential seems to exist for tree leaves to emerge as a new, renewable energy source. Maybe Mother Nature has provided her own way to help keep her planet healthy.

Information Source: “Tree leaves: A free source of energy, literally falling from the sky.” A thought paper by Eric Knight. http://www.remarkable.com/leavestoenergy.html

We want to provide a heartfelt “thank you” for the thoughts, ideas, and support of the readers of this site, as well as to our various affiliates, including:

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