There are many things we can do now to help reduce our impact on the environment, such as using low energy light bulbs, recycling waste, composting, using public transport or car-sharing. But not everyone is fully aware of this, and changing our lifestyles to be more sustainable is likely to take some time.
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BoilerJuice
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I have zoned the heating system giving separate time and temperature control for the downstairs and upstairs areas of the house. the following improvements should become apparent, quicker warm up and reduced running costs. Material costs 2 Honeywell zone valves and 2 programmable room thermostats wire junction boxes cost about £240 estimated payback period 1 year.
We have at least double the attic insulation required, got the walls blown with insulation, have flourescent bulbs wherever possible around the house and dimmer switches, have radiators set on a low temp. with a timer, Have a boost button for hot water that will heat for 30 min. if cooker not heating it enough (I would forget to turn it off if only on/off) Make a fire when possible with fallen/trimmed wood around the place. Started composting tea bags, coffee grinds, peelings, etc. recycle trash that can be, rest is used for heat in incinerator. 1-2 bags go to landfill per year. Got kettle for cooker that is on 9 months to heat water instead of electric kettle, try to avoid ironing ;-). Hardly use hair dryer, use rechargeable batteries. Looking into wind turbine, solar AND hydroelectric. Collecting wind data now. Save up trips to town maybe once/wk. Now grow our own car fuel, using little diesel.
I live on a main national route - one of the big 5 and there is absolutely NO public transport, recycling facilities and car sharing is not an option. Oh, one more thing... oil theft is the newest local crime. Don't get me started on so-called energy saving initiatives.
Best tip for oil users - are'nt we all - buy massive storage tank, fill it and get frugal transport, efficient and insulated buildings.
This process guarantees your oil future and hastens societies' push for sensible other solutions. The more people do this the sooner there will be a solution. This not as silly as it seems, as the technologies are available now and are getting better by the hour. The capital cost of more efficient systems is now inverse to the cost of fuels. It also would stabilise long term oil prices. This is the real "peak oil" turnpoint". Regards etc.