On August 16th, 2019 Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced an executive order to create the Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy with a goal of 100% carbon-free energy bot 2050. This new office will be charged with:
- Work with state agencies and utilities to achieve a goal of 100% carbon-free electricity generation by 2050.
- Ensure the state is fulfilling the carbon reduction goals of the 2015 Paris Climate Accord.
- Develop a clean energy plan to assist the state in adapting to and mitigation the harm from climate change by using clean energy resources and technology.
- Promote clean energy workforce training.
- Foster innovation, research, and business development within the renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainability sectors.
- Develop energy efficiency, sustainability, and renewable energy standards fora ll new and existing state facilities, office buildings, an complexes.
While the Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy is dealing with initiatives at the state and utility level, home and business owners can also be doing their fair share to help reach the carbon-free goal.
September 23rd through the 27th is National Clean Energy Week. This national event is focused on advancing support of our nation’s energy sector through new methods of market development, policy change, and technological innovation. Here are 5 things you can do to help reduct your carbon footprint, starting today!
Unplug!
“Vampire power” accounts for $19 billion in energy every year. Even if your device is turned off or if you have it off hte charger, your’e still contributing to your carbon footprint if the device is plugged in. The easiest solution is to leave your electronics unplugged at all times, unless you’re actively using them.
Line Dry
One dryer load uses 5 times more energy than washing. By line-drying your clothes, you can save 1/3 of your carbon footprint. running clothes driver is equivalent to turning on 225 light bulbs for one hour, and is the leading cause of appliance-related house fires. Skip the energy drain, and the risk.
Eat Local (And Organic)
By eating local, in-season produce you help reduce your carbon footprint from the shipment of foods. Think about the food journey. From where it is grown, it has to travel by plane, train, ship, or truck. When traveling, it must remain refrigerated to keep cool to decrease spoilage. The produce has typically been picked far too early so that it does not spoil on its journey, which results in less quality and fewer nutrients. Purchasing from local, small, organic farms you avoid the above food journey, and it ensures ethical soil care, supports the local economy, and promotes food security.
Drive Less or Electric
Whenever possible, choose to walk, bike or take public transportation. The increasing populations in the U.S. cities have made effective public transportation a necessity. In many cities, public transportation is looking to hybrids, solar power, and other eco-friendly alternatives. Live in the country? Try to limit your drive time by car pooling, using park-and-rides, and making sure you bundle your errands to limit unnecessary trips with your vehicle. Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly more efficient and cost-effective. There are lending offices that deal specifically with financing renewable energy projects and electric vehicles. Clean Energy Credit Union is a resource for this in Wisconsin.
Invest in Solar
Solar energy is an excellent investment, as it allows you to reduce your monthly energy bills, increase your home’s overall value, decrease your carbon footprint, and even allows you to sell excess energy back to your local power company! By properly sizing your system to meet your household demand, you can decrease your energy dependence as well as decrease your utility costs. The advances made in the solar industry in previous years have made solar PV systems more affordable as well as more efficient. To further reduce your footprint, install your Electric Vehicle charging station with your solar PV system. EV + PV = Sustainable Transportation.
For more information on how you can utilize the power of the sun to reduce your carbon footprint, energy dependence, and your electric bill, contact us today to learn more or schedule your free solar site assessment!
