Energy III Moment

Found a few new ideas from Utne on saving your energy dollar. And forgive me if these are ideas that are old hat to you, but repetition may be forgiven if these ideas jog your memory.

Cleaning the lint from your dryer can decrease the energy used per load by up to 30%.

Can you get yourself some wind power? Wind power users in Colorado pay an average of $10 a month less than those who use regular sources.

Do you want to do something that will make up for the carbon dioxide emissions your car or truck release into the air? Go to www.terrapass.com and find out how this idea works. Basically, it amounts to an annual fee based on the size of your vehicle which will be used by Terrapass to subsidize wind farms, methane digesters, and other renewable-energy projects. When you do, you will get a decal to proudly display to help get the word out and help convert other drivers.

Lastely, there is a project started in Sacramento and now in Los Angeles to provide shade trees free to residents. Trees for a green LA started in 2000 has provided almost 50,000 trees so far. Interested? Visit ladwp.com/trees. A resident can get up to seven free trees by attending a short workshop from the utilities department. The results of this program can include lower energy bills, improve air quality and reduce water runoff.