Add Energy Efficiency to your New Years Resolution

​At Yolo Energy Watch we're always thinking about sustainable life choices. So this year we are kicking off some common New Year's resolutions with a twist to save energy.

​Lose Weight & Get Active

One of the most popular New Year's resolutions is to start a gym membership. However, Gym's use a ton of energy. The average treadmill uses between 600 and 700 watts of energy, and older machines can consume up to 30% more energy than brand new ones. Instead, try going for a run or a bike ride outside.

​Don't have a bike? Consider purchasing a used bike from The Bike Campaign and Bike Garage. The Bike Garage is open Saturdays 9:00–Noon and Wednesdays 2:00–5:00. Bike maps are also available for Davis and Woodland.

​Eat More Vegetables

​Vegetables are vital for a healthy lifestyle. A diet rich in produce and less meat will quickly lower your carbon footprint, reduce pollution, and save energy and water. Meat production requires large amounts of land, water and energy compared to plant foods.

​Livestock production requires enormous amounts of energy. Energy is used to grow the crops for the livestock, livestock use energy themselves. There is refrigeration, including in transportation, and then there is the transportation itself.

​Read More Books

​If you're planning on catching up on the latest bestsellers consider doing so with natural light instead of using fixture lights. If you prefer reading after dark, consider purchasing a desk or clamp light. A desk lamp uses one bulb as opposed to a ceiling fixture that may use three. Additionally, when trying to read the closer you are the brighter the light thus the easier it is to read.

​Do Some Home Improvements

 According to a recent report from the Natural Resources Defense Council, the single most important thing you can do to combat climate change is to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Residential energy efficiency is the largest source of CO2 reduction potential, not transportation. 

• Seal your home's air leaks. Use caulk and weatherstripping around doors and windows.
• Add insulation to your home. Insulation can help keep your home temperature more comfortable. Consider checking out the Energy Upgrade California rebate program.
• Install and set a programmable thermostat. This year PG&E just released a new rebate, $50 back for upgrading to a Smart Thermostat. Learn more at PG&E.