The summer solstice is the day of the year when due to the earth’s position on its axis and rotation, the hemisphere is exposed to the most sun throughout the day. In the Northern Hemisphere, the longest day of the year falls around June 21, marking the arrival of summer.
Traditionally, the solstice has been celebrated by many cultures as the start of the harvest season, using the extra hours of daylight for summer festivities. This year, you can honor the solstice by saving energy through participating in Daylight Hour on Monday, June 22!
Climate action starts with you! Here are five simple actions you can take today to begin reducing your climate impact.
1. Use Cold Water Detergent and Cold Water Setting for Clothes Washer
Pounds of CO2 Reduced Annually: 1,270
Annual Savings: $92
Heating water consumes a lot of energy – 90% of the total needed to wash your clothes – always use a cold-water setting and detergent.
2. Replace Your Furnace Filter and Manage Your Thermostat
Pounds of CO2 Reduced Annually: 1,800
Annual Savings: $124
Every degree F saves 3% on cooling / heating – set to 60 at night or unoccupied during winter and 78 in summer. Dirty furnace filters waste energy and should be changed every three months.
3. Properly Inflate Your Tires and Ride with Hive
Pounds of CO2 Reduced Annually: 400 (tires only)
Annual Savings: $95 (tires only)
Regularly check and inflate your tires to improve MPGs by 3% – more tips to save fuel at FuelEconomy.gov.
SLC residents, visit RideWithHive.com for details on the City’s discounted transit pass. Just $42 / month, a 50% discount, gets you unlimited rides on the bus, TRAX and S-Line.
4. Replace at Least Five Lights with LEDs
Pounds of CO2 Reduced Annually: 500 (per five lights)
Annual Savings: $40 (per five lights)
90% of the energy used lighting an incandescent bulb goes towards generating heat, not light. LED lighting is the cheapest lifecycle cost option – purchasing plus operating costs – and Rocky Mountain Power offers great incentives for homes and businesses.
5. Use Reusable Water Bottles and Mugs – Plus, Downsize Your Garbage Can
Pounds of CO2 Reduced Annually: 580 (Reusable Drink Containers Only)
Manufacturing bottles, cans and other drink containers takes energy and creates emissions. Reduce your footprint and save cash by using reusables. SLC residents should Google SLCgreen for many more waste tips and additional ways to save, like downsizing your garbage can. Moving from a 90-gallon bin to a 40-gallon bin will save you $87 / year on your trash bill. There is also a 60-gallon option that will save you money.