Saving energy for a better tomorrow
Todd Hagadone is doing his part to conserve energy
year-round.
Hagadone purchased wind power through the program available to
CSU’s residence halls and he promotes energy conservation –
especially in October, which is Energy Awareness Month at CSU and
in Colorado.
“Everything people start doing now to save energy helps. A lot
of people don’t realize how keeping your lights off can save a lot
of pollution, by keeping the switch off,” said Hagadone, a
sophomore natural resources management major.
CSU has committed to energy conservation on campus by
encouraging the community to save energy wherever possible. One
method offered on campus to help reduce traditional coal power
sources is the option for students living residence halls to
purchase wind power. The deadline to join the program was Oct.
1.
“I don’t think people pay attention (to how much energy they
use) especially in the residence halls,” said Sean McGee, a
freshman political science major.
However, there will be increased publicity for the offer next
year, said Ryan Barone, hall director at Braiden Hall.
This is the first year wind power was offered to on-campus
students, and 160 residents applied for $17 each to assure one lot
of energy would be purchased in their name. Each lot of energy
purchased is equivalent to the amount of power used in the average
room. The energy purchased is not what will directly power their
room, however, it makes the power system as a whole one room less
dependent on coal power.
The city of Fort Collins does not traditionally support October
as Energy Awareness Month because programs are in action around
town throughout the year, such as demonstrations to high school
students on how to conserve energy.
There are also energy and other environmental conservation
programs open to the public through the city of Fort Collins.
Sessions are given about once a month covering everything from
water-use reduction to effective energy-saving tips. Anyone
interested in attending an information session may sign up online
at http://fcgov.com/.
The green and gold campaign on
campus will be posting flyers regarding making campus more energy
efficient throughout the month. Some tips that they suggest
are:
1) If you feel cool, wear an extra
layer of clothing instead of using a space heater.
2) If you feel warm and are in an
air-conditioned building try to wear lighter clothing rather then
opening windows.
3) Turn off the lights or other
appliances when not in use
4) Power down computers. Energy is
not saved in screen saver mode.
5) Instead of taking an elevator,
take the stairs.
6) Turn off the lights if you are
the last one to leave a room.
7) Try not to study alone. Studying
in areas allows maximal lighting efficiency.
8) If you are not currently using
water, turn it off.
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