Recycle Utah

Nonprofit Summit County, Utah Recycling Center

Energy

Decarbonizing our Homes

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You’re building a new home and landscaping your yard; would you adorn it with Kentucky Blue Grass? Or mix in some low-water native plants? It’s the same with our homes as we move into the future with ‘electrification’ as the latest buzz.  What exactly is this method of decarbonization?

Residential focus is on heating, cooking appliances, dryers, breaker boxes, solar, electric vehicle chargers and battery storage. Home heat involves replacing gas furnaces and water heaters with electric heat pumps, gas fireplaces with electric versions, gas stoves with induction cooktop/ranges and breaker boxes to accommodate the additional wattage. However, who can afford this necessary transition as we progress into the future, especially since gas is still affordable? To replace our 80 million + appliances in our 120 million U.S. households in the coming decades, equitable federal investment is critical. 

Additionally, decades of research shows that gas stoves can release harmful pollutants and sadly, indoor air emissions from these fossil fuel-burning appliances remain unregulated. Repeated long-term indoor air exposure to our beloved gas stoves can lead to development of respiratory complications and other health issues. 

By Mary Closser

Let the Sun Shine In

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It’s the height of Summer, which means long days and plenty of sunlight. While we’re busy enjoying the warm weather and taking vacations, we don’t always think about lighting in our homes and offices. Turning on lights during the day can add unnecessary energy use and expenses – especially when we have such an abundant source of daylight in the summer.

Be sure to use natural daylighting as much as you can at home and in the office. If you have access to windows and plenty of sunlight, artificial lighting isn’t necessary. Natural lighting is better for health and productivity anyway! If you find your home gets too much by direct sun, you can purchase window shades or screens to reduce heat gain, UV exposure, and glare while still letting in some sunlight. At work, encourage your office to use natural lighting wherever possible.  If you can work remotely, try working outside to get fresh air and boost your mood!

If you need to use artificial lighting, be sure to use it efficiently. Turn the lights off when you’re done in a room – especially if you are the last one at the office! Be sure to switch to LED lights; this is one of the easiest and most effective actions you can take to reduce energy use at home. LEDs use 75% less energy and can last over 15 years longer than incandescent lights while providing the same amount of light or lumens.

By Haylee Neel

A/C Efficiency Tips

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Summer is here, and with Utah’s trend of record-breaking temperatures, it’s bound to be a hot one. The warmer it gets, the more we rely on energy intensive, fossil fuel burning AC units to cool our homes and buildings. It is estimated that up to 6% of all energy use comes from air conditioners alone, releasing around 100 million tons of carbon dioxide into the air each year.

So, what are some ways to limit AC usage and improve overall efficiency to reduce environmental impact? The first thing you can do is think about replacing your older unit with something more energy efficient, which will not only help reduce individual emissions but also significantly lower the cost of your energy bill. Evaporative or swamp coolers, for example, are often more efficient than traditional air conditioners. If your unit isn’t in need of an upgrade, behavioral actions, like keeping the temperature higher on your AC, can also save energy.

If you’re looking for ways to reduce your overall need for air conditioning, improving your home’s insulation and sealing around windows can help keep cool air circulating indoors. Before turning on your AC, try using fans with ice in front of them, or using window “tuning” to improve airflow. Keeping shades and curtains closed or putting in solar screens can further reduce AC usage. The best part about finding ways to be energy efficient is that it’s a win for both the environment and your wallet!

By Olivia Beckstead

Switch to Smart Power Strips

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As peoples’ offices have moved from corporate buildings to their living rooms, power strips have become a household staple. These appliances allow you to power your multiple devices simultaneously, but they can also be responsible for excessive energy use. Phantom loads explain the idea that energy is being used when a device is plugged in, even when powered off. These phantom loads account for 5-10% of the average household’s energy consumption.

People tend to leave their devices plugged in for longer when they use power strips, but is the added convenience worth wasting energy? Though power strips use less energy than direct outlets, there is still a better option. Rather than trying to remember to unplug your devices at every work break, let smart power strips do heavy lifting. These devices sense when an appliance’s power consumption decreases and shuts of the electricity streaming from that specific outlet. Surge detectors and motion detectors are now integrated into some smart power strips to simplify your use even further. These devices typically cost around $30, just a fraction of the potential gain you will see through reduced energy bills over time.

Smart power strips should be in any outlet that powers a device that is responsible for a high degree of phantom loads or multiple devices. Some devices responsible for high energy consumption include televisions, video game consoles, desktop computers, printers, and phone chargers. Avoid lofty energy bills while simultaneously helping the environment by opting for this affordable alternative to conventional power strips.

By Lauren Allen

Thinking About Going Electric?

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You’re thinking about buying an electric vehicle as our future moves this way.  But the choices are overwhelming, cost is high and charging situation is precarious. First of all, congratulations for even thinking about it. If you need a new smart phone, would you consider buying an I-5? It’s a change we all need to grasp whether we’re in the car-buying market, or not. And the good news is that prices are slowly decreasing and battery charge ranges, charger sites and style options (including AW drive) are increasing.

Electric vehicles (EV) are fast, fun, require little maintenance and emit no tailpipe emissions. Numerous auto manufacturers now offer them with more on the horizon. While the allure is exciting, it’s important to have a charging plan. Charging at home may require an upgrade to a 220 volt outlet – and where else are chargers in town or close to work?

The price range is $30,000 – $100,000, but the federal government offers a $7,500 tax credit (for most models). Long-term thinking is key, however, as EV’s are cheaper to own. Considering gasoline, oil changes and maintenance, a Consumer Reports study found the average EV driver will spend 50-60% less than a gas-vehicle owner.  Additionally, there’s lower life-cycle emissions which will further improve as the electric grid adds renewable power. If a full EV isn’t possible right now, consider a plug-in hybrid or e-bike as a stepping stone! It could be the ideal solution for short commutes, work, and errands.

By Mary Closser

Energy Efficient Cooking

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While we should consider the waste we create while cooking, we must look at the energy we consume as well. Energy efficiency is key when it comes to our appliances, for the sake of our bill, health, and environment. Gas stoves release methane, a harmful Greenhouse gas, affecting the air quality within your house. The EPA recommends using an exhaust fan when cooking with a gas stove or switching to an electric stove that has the Energy Star seal of approval.

However, we also must think of our own actions when cooking. There are many steps we can take before and during cooking that will reduce the amount of energy we use and the emissions we release. This includes preparing your food before cooking, so it’s ready when the heat is on. Also be sure to use proper cooking tools for the amount of food you’re cooking. Smaller appliances, like toasters and electric kettles, may be more applicable. Your cookware is just as important. Copper bottomed pans heat up faster and glass/ceramic pans allow you to decrease your oven’s temperature by 25°F. Put a lid on your pot. It lets you set a lower temperature, decreasing energy use by up to 66%. Don’t peek at those cookies – opening the oven door can drop the temperature 25°F every time.

Sustainability in cooking is not as difficult as we think. Making simple changes can make a dramatic difference in your energy bill, as well as the health of yourself and the environment.

By Anna Duffy