Recycle Utah

Nonprofit Summit County, Utah Recycling Center

Energy

A Greener Way of Getting Around: The Impact of EVs

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Transportation is a critical part of any American’s life, and thanks to the invention of the engine and fossil fuel processing, getting where you want to go has never been easier. Driving a car has become an integral part of American society and culture, as approximately 250 million Americans drive cars. Unfortunately, the climate is in more danger than ever before, and the transportation sector is one of the biggest culprits.

As a reminder, ‘Greenhouse Gases’ such as carbon dioxide, come from the burning of fossil
fuels – a process that occurs in every gas/diesel car. The compounded effect of millions of cars on the road every day adds up to create a layer in the atmosphere that traps heat from escaping and has negative consequences on the earth’s biosphere.


The Energy Information Administration estimates that 31% of all U.S. carbon emissions come
from just gasoline and diesel cars every year. Vehicles with internal combustion engines run on fossil fuels and release tailpipe emissions, which include greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide, as well as very harmful and potentially deadly gases like carbon monoxide.

Additionally, gas and diesel cars with internal combustion engines are unsustainable because
they require fossil fuels, like petroleum and natural gases, which are non-renewable, meaning
they cannot be reused and are very hard to acquire.

Luckily, electric vehicle technology is advancing rapidly and production is higher than ever
before. Keep in mind that EVs are still cars, and the vehicle production has its own
environmental impact. But overall, EVs are 10 times more environmentally friendly than gas-
powered cars. There are two main types of EVs: hybrids, which use special technology for
‘regenerative braking’ (recycling the energy from braking back to the car as energy), and fully
electric, battery-powered vehicles. EVs are powered by electricity rather than straight from fossil fuels. While many Americans still use coal-powered electricity, EVs use a fraction of the fossil fuels to charge compared to gas- powered cars, and if you have solar on your house, your personal transportation is carbon-free.

States now offer many benefits to commercially clean vehicles, such as designated parking
spots and driving lanes. EVs also save drivers hundreds of dollars a year on gas. Developments
in EV battery recycling are taking off across the country. If you’re in a place to purchase a new
vehicle, consider buying an EV; the planet, and your wallet, will thank you!

By Grayson Rae

The Environmental Impact of AI

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AI, or Artificial Intelligence, refers to computer programs that can mimic human intelligence and reasoning, allowing them to “think independently” as a human would. The real-world applications of AI have increased substantially in the last 20 years as technology becomes
progressively more complex. AI excels at detecting patterns and trends in data, which is very
beneficial for analyzing different types of information for varying fields.


Researchers and environmentalists have identified several major environmental concerns with AI. AI server centers use billions of tons of water per day. The computers that run AI servers generate lots of heat, and to cool these servers, fresh water is pumped through tubes running around the service centers. Unsustainable use of this water can lead to large amounts of waste. Globally, AI-related infrastructures are estimated by the UN Environmental Programme to use 6 times the amount of water as the whole country of Denmark.

Secondly, server centers use huge amounts of electricity in the form of running computer
programming units. The International Energy Agency estimates that by 2026, nearly 35% of
Ireland’s (a major technology hub) energy could be consumed by data centers. AI has also
prompted major development. AI data centers have more than tripled in the last 20 years,
requiring new space and materials, resulting in deforestation and the loss of wild spaces.
Lastly, these new data centers need new computers, which increases the demand for rare raw
materials (such as mercury and lead) to build motherboards and computers. These can be
costly to mine for and recycle.

AI can certainly be a great tool for scholars and the public alike; however, it must be used
responsibly as we work to solve the current environmental concerns. Keep in mind the
environmental costs of AI as you use it in your daily life, and when it might not be necessary to
use AI, think about switching to a less environmentally costly option, such as a simple internet
search.

By Mia Moore

Eco-Friendly Hot Tubbing

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Hot tubs can be a great way to rest and relax outside during the winter, especially in Summit County’s colder climate. Like with all recreational activities, there are ways to make your home hot tub less environmentally impactful and less expensive. If you are thinking of purchasing a standalone hot tub for your home or have one in place already, these are some of the most important things you can do to reduce the environmental impact of your hot tub!

First, if purchasing a new hot tub, look for one with an Energy Star rating. Energy Star ratings denote appliances with high energy-efficiency levels. They can be a great way to reduce energy use and prolong the life of your appliance. Furthermore, look for a location in your backyard shielded from high levels of direct wind. This will aid your hot tub in heat insulation and require less overall heating.

If you already have a hot tub in your backyard, there are other things you can do to ensure it is as energy-efficient as possible. Off-peak hours are the times of day when energy from the grid is the least expensive. In Summit County, those times are typically 6 AM-10 AM and 5 PM-9 PM. Reduce the time your heating and cleaning cycles are running on your hot tub by changing them to off-peak hours. Scheduling your hours of hot tub use around off-peak hours means you can reduce the energy consumption of your hot tub and save money on the energy you use.

 Additionally, you can turn down or off your hot tub’s heating and pumping cycles if you are planning on being away from home for a few days. Don’t forget to drain your hot tub if there is a chance it might freeze. Lastly, purchasing a hot tub floating blanket or insulated cover can make a huge difference in how your hot tub insulates when it is not in use, look for ones on the used market to reduce consumption and save money!

By Mia Moore

Unplug and Save: How to Reduce Standby Power 

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Standby power, often called “phantom load” or “vampire power,” refers to the electricity consumed by electronic devices and appliances even when turned off or in standby mode. Many devices, such as televisions, chargers, printers, and microwaves, draw power continuously to support features like digital clocks, remote-control activation, or instant-on functionality. The amount of energy that a single device in standby mode uses may be minor, cumulatively, with multiple devices in a home, the amount will add up. Recent studies have shown that 10% of a household’s total energy consumption is standby power. This all can contribute to higher electricity bills and increased carbon emissions. 

So how can you reduce this energy usage? Reducing standby power is a simple and effective way to save energy and promote sustainability. One of the easiest ways to reduce standby energy consumption is by simply unplugging devices when they are not in use, such as chargers or kitchen appliances such as a toaster. The use of these appliances is minuscule compared to the amount of energy it will use while still plugged in. Some appliances or devices are harder to unplug consistently, such as TVs, microwaves, or computer monitors. In order to reduce standby power for appliances such as these, using smart power strips or surge protectors equipped with timers or motion sensors can help automatically cut off power to multiple devices when they are inactive. 

Another way to reduce standby consumption is investing in energy-efficient products and appliances. These types of appliances have an Energy Star certification which are designed to use minimal power when idle. This is a very sustainable choice for consumers who are looking to reduce their energy consumption, electric bill, and carbon footprint. 

Enabling energy-saving modes on devices can also help reduce standby power. Many modern devices, such as computers and TVs, have different settings that can put the device in a sleep mode or eco-mode that limits energy when the device is not in use. Lastly, conducting an energy audit of your home can help you identify which devices consume the most standby power. This is a more targeted approach.  

By addressing standby power, households can lower energy costs, reduce their carbon footprint, and help environmental conservation. While your efforts may seem small, the collective impact of reducing standby power usage can help combat climate change and promote a more sustainable future for everyone.

By Elly Swartz

Why Switching to Electric Appliances is a Smart Choice

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As more homeowners seek sustainable and cost-effective ways to improve their homes, switching from gas to electric appliances is becoming increasingly popular. The benefits extend beyond your wallet—they also positively impact the environment, your health, and your home’s functionality.

Electric appliances, especially when powered by renewable energy, significantly reduce carbon emissions. Unlike natural gas, which produces carbon dioxide and methane, electricity can come from clean sources like solar and wind. By switching to electric, homeowners contribute to combating climate change while supporting a greener energy future.

Beyond environmental benefits, electric appliances create healthier living spaces. Gas stoves and heaters emit pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, which can harm indoor air quality and respiratory health. Electric alternatives eliminate combustion inside the home, making them safer for families. Induction cooking is particularly transformative, using magnetic energy to heat pots and pans directly. Induction stoves cook faster, offer precise temperature control, and are safer since the cooktop stays cool to the touch. Their professional-level performance and sleek design quickly make them a favorite among home chefs.

Modern electric appliances, such as induction stoves and heat pump water heaters, are also highly energy-efficient, lowering utility bills over time. Heat pumps provide heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, an added bonus for homes in Park City, where air conditioning was often left out of older homes. With summers becoming hotter and wildfire smoke driving people indoors, cooling has become increasingly essential.

Many states, including Utah, offer rebates and incentives to help offset the costs of transitioning to electric appliances. Making the switch isn’t just about upgrading your home; it’s about creating a healthier, more sustainable, and cost-effective future.

Learn more about home electrification on Tuesday, Dec. 11 from 4:30 to 6:30 at the Park City Library. Hear from those who have built all-electric homes and others who are  transitioning step by step.

By Tracy Harden 

Local Dark Skies Ordinances Deadline Nears

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Eighty percent of the world’s population, and 99 percent of Americans and Europeans, live with some amount of light pollution. This excessive artificial nighttime light adversely affects the health and behavior of humans and other animals. It obscures views of the vast and starry nighttime sky. It wastes precious electricity from all sources and increases use of fossil fuels.

Nighttime light attracts or repels animals affecting their feeding, predatory, and breeding behaviors. Its glow causes a loss of safe habitat. Birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians and mammals are all affected. In our community, abundant wildlife and the nighttime visual environment are cherished parts of residents’ daily lives and visitors’ unique experiences. Several years ago Park City and Summit County leaders committed to lowering our energy footprint. To preserve dark skies, they also adopted ordinances into existing codes which require all businesses and residents, not only new construction, to reduce their artificial light pollution with a compliance deadline set for Dec. 31, 2024.

DarkSky International, established in 1988, led the movement to reduce light pollution globally. Dark sky requirements seek to reduce glare and light spillage. In order to do this, Summit County and Park City require the use of downward-pointing, fully-shielded outdoor light fixtures. These target light rather than flood an area wastefully and obtrusively with it. Warm whites or amber bulbs of 3,000K or less are also required. Motion sensors, timers and dimmers are recommended to increase efficiency.

Regarding outdoor seasonal displays, residential lights are permitted from November 1 to March 1, and must be turned off by 11 pm. City and County staff have found no grants currently available offering rebates for dark sky-friendly lighting. They continue to focus on educating the public about the nighttime lighting ordinances and dark sky-friendly products and practices. Enforcement of the ordinances begins with residents’ education, on a complaint basis.

There are differences between the Snyderville Basin, Eastern Summit County and Park

City codes. To learn more about their dark sky ordinances, visit summitcountyutah.gov/2474/Dark-Skies and engageparkcity.org/dark-sky

By Bev Harrison