Following in the footsteps of our founding Sisters, the Franciscan Sisters of Mary, we have a long-standing commitment to preserving our earth and its resources and nurturing healthy communities at SSM Health. We understand that environmental damage often impacts those who are most vulnerable, including the poor, sick, and those at the margins of society. As such, we advocate for clean air and water, and neighborhoods in which it is safe to work, play and exercise — as well as limiting our direct negative environmental impact.
As we celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day during this Year of Hope, let’s come together to find ways to make our environment better and create hope for a greener tomorrow.
Today, we’re going to focus on conserving energy.
There are many smaller actions that you can take every day in your own home that can add up to considerable energy savings over time – including developing simple habits, investing in easy home improvements, and making smart purchases. Try some of these out at home:
- Turn things off. Beyond flipping light switches, make sure your television, computer, and other electronics are turned off when you're not actively using them—or unplugged completely. Chargers for cell phones, tablets, and other cordless devices also use small amounts of energy even when they're not charging.
- Buy smarter bulbs. An LED light bulb can save more than $100 over its lifetime. LEDs use up to 85 percent less energy to deliver the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb.
- Don't use more energy than you need. Don't run the dishwasher when it's not full and be sure to set your washing machine to the appropriate water level. Wash clothes—except for the dirtiest of loads—in cold water. Set your refrigerator temperature between 28 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer between 0 and 5, and make sure both are sealed tightly.
- Tweak your TV settings. Some Internet-ready televisions consume excess power after they're turned off, thanks to a "quick start.” Be sure to disable that option in your television's settings.
- Close up the cracks. If you add up all the gaps around the windows and doors in an average American house, you have the equivalent of a 3-foot by 3-foot hole in the wall. Caulk and weather-strip to seal off these air leaks and use window putty to seal gaps around loose windowpanes.
- Shop smarter. If you're in the market, look for products with the Energy Star label. They typically use about 10 to 40 percent less energy than other new models. Some electric companies and even state governments offer consumer rebates on Energy Star–rated models.
- Recycle old electronics. When you buy new energy-efficient appliances and electronics, it's important to dispose of the old ones in a planet-friendly way. Some retailers have extensive in-store recycling programs for working and non-working devices.
