If all Californians upgraded to LED light bulbs, the state could reduce CO2 emissions equivalent to those produced by one coal-fired power plant in one year. Upgrading to LED light bulbs will use at least 75% less energy and last 25-times longer than “old fashioned” incandescents. Replacing five most frequently used light fixtures in your home with ENERGY STAR-qualified models can save you $70 each year in energy costs. And, of course, make sure all unnecessary lights are off during the eclipse!
“Smart strips” are power strips that can tell when your appliances go into standby mode. Once they detect this, they turn the appliance completely off until it’s needed again.
If you have an electric car, you already know that it takes a lot of electricity to charge it. It’s always best to start charging it after 9 PM so you’ll have a fresh battery in the morning. This will be especially important on August 21 and you won’t need to charge it in the morning.
23% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off (what we call “vampires”). The average U.S. household spends $100 per year to power devices while they are off or in standby mode. The morning of the eclipse, unplug things like coffee makers, TVs, computers, and gadgets that are always on (but not the refrigerator!)
Great that you’re doing your thing, but that’s not enough! Whatever method you use for spreading the word to your friends and neighbors (email, social media, carrier pigeon), do so! Send them to this page, tell them you’re doing your thing for the climate on August 21, and ask them to do their thing, too!
Turn off your computer, turn off the printers and copy machines, turn off the office lights, turn up the thermostat, and take a little outing (but ask your boss first). Maybe even build your own eclipse viewer to watch the show: https://www.livescience.com/33906-solar-eclipse-viewer.html
Some people prefer task lights close to their work, others prefer overhead lights. But you don’t need both. Choose one, and turn off the other.
Look around your workspace for things to turn off. That fax machine that hasn’t sent or received a fax in 10 years? You can probably turn it off. Not planning on making copies? Then turn off the copier.
Are you the building or facilities manager? Talk to your utility about participating in their Auto Demand Response program to reduce energy.
If you’re working at a business with a storefront on the street, keep the AC for you and your customers. Close the front door to stop all that cold air from escaping.
