Week 4: Energy

This week, we're focusing on energy: namely, how to reduce our consumption of it.

Saving energy may not be glamorous, but it's these simple actions - adjusting your thermostat, unplugging electronics, washing laundry with cold water - that add up to make a difference in our fight against climate change.

Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to celebrating Earth Day together, while apart.

1. What's Your Carbon Footprint?

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) generated by our actions. The average carbon footprint for a person in the United States is 16 tons. Globally, the average is closer to 4 tons.
To enter the contest: Calculate your carbon footprint. Email us your results and how you plan to reduce your footprint!

2. Hunt Down Energy Vampires

Go on a scavenger hunt around your home and look for "energy vampires," or electronics that draw power when left plugged in, even when turned off or on standby.

To enter the contest: Engage your household in a scavenger hunt to find energy vampires, and decide on what to leave unplugged or add a power strip.

3. Wash Cold + Line Dry

Now that we aren't leaving home as often, it's a great opportunity to re-wear items and keep laundry minimal. Here are some tips:

- When you do need to wash, use tap cold: it reduces your energy use by 75% and reduces microfibers shed by your clothes (contributing to plastic pollution in the ocean). Read more

- Line dry clothes to save energy. Tips for air-drying clothes, and 10 ways to save energy doing laundry.

To enter the contest: Share an action-photo of yourself line-drying your clothes

4. Audit Your Appliances

Use this easy calculator to estimate the annual cost and energy use of different home appliances. Looking to replace an old, inefficient model? Use the Energy Star product finder to search for certified products.

To enter the contest: Tell us what appliances you chose to audit using the calculator tool. What were your results? Email us a reflection of your experience doing this activity, what you learned, and what changes you'll make at home.

5. Unplug Yourself

Challenge yourself to "unplug" for one hour and recharge your non-digital self. Turn off all screens, your computer, phone, lights, and any electronics at home not in use. During this hour, you can read, write, stretch, exercise, meditate - anything that doesn't require electricity.

To enter the contest: What did you do during your hour unplugged, and how was your experience?

6. Avoid Two-Day Shipping

Online shopping has increased dramatically over the years. With shelter-in-place, we are relying on online shopping more than ever. A simple way to reduce your carbon footprint is to choose regular shipping over two-day shipping.

Watch this video on the environmental cost of free two-day shipping

7. Adjust your Thermostat

Did you know over 50% of your home energy use goes towards heating and cooling? If it's cold, consider turning the heater down, putting on an extra layer, and letting in natural sunlight. For hot days, turn on a fan to circulate air, use window shades, and avoid stovetop or oven cooking.

More energy efficiency tips

Contest instructions:
Please select a challenge (#1-#5 above) from the newsletter and follow the instructions
Email your submissions to Lauren.Ng2@ucsf.edu with the title of the challenge you've selected
First 5 participants each week will receive a reusable mug or titanium spork
Weekly prize: $35 Rainbow Grocery Card or $35 CSA box from Farm Fresh to You
Grand prize: Bay Wheels membership ($150), Rainbow Grocery gift card ($150), or five CSA boxes ($175).

We post our favorite submissions on social media. Follow us below!

Other Announcements

Climate Health Webinar Series

In this UCSF program devoted to Climate Medicine, explore the impact of global warming on major health conditions and learn how actions that mitigate global warming also improve the health of all people

Tuesdays, April 28 – June 2, 2020, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm

Climate One: Covid-19 and Climate: Implications for Public Health

“What we need to do now is recognize we have a window of opportunity to really flatten the curve when it comes to climate change."

5 Ways the Economic Upheaval of Coronavirus May Impact CO2 Emissions

When Americans return to the roads, what happens to oil prices and China’s recovery strategy could all impact emissions levels

Week 2 Winner: Jamie Rey

This is rosemary that I’m about to plant. And that’s “corona” the bee.

This picture is of my dog Cleo approving the scraps of bok choy and celery that I’ve replanted in the soil after letting them grow about 1 week.

Celery and bok choy, about 1 1/2 weeks later

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