Community Power Group would like to wish everyone a Happy Earth Day! Today marks the 52nd annual Earth Day, a celebration and demonstration of support for environmental protection and sustainability. We here at CPG, strive every day to create a better environment for our planet and the population by developing photovoltaic energy systems and creating sources of renewable solar energy for communities, companies, and governments throughout many regions in the United States.
Recently, the United Nations published a Climate Report on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change that stated, “without immediate and deep emission reductions across all sectors, limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is “beyond reach.” It also stated that from 2010-2019 average annual emissions were higher than in any decade on record. While much of the greenhouse gas emissions affecting the atmosphere are created by cumulative emissions from global corporations with larger scales of impact, individuals can still take measures to do their part in taking care of the planet we all call home.
There are many misconceptions out there about renewable energy and the economic viability of ‘going green’ for individual households, and we’re here to give you some important tips that will help you make the best informed decision on how you can contribute to environmental sustainability. This Earth Day, we urge you to take a closer look at your energy consumption, and find ways to reduce your carbon footprint wherever possible. One of the ways that you help reduce your carbon emissions is by researching your local energy provider to see if they offer renewable alternatives like a community solar subscription, or looking into rooftop solar options for your home. Home inspections by licensed professionals can also inform you on potential locations in your home where you may be losing energy and where you could be saving money by making small upgrades, or going above and beyond by upgrading to energy-saving appliances. These changes not only help protect the environment from overconsumption, but they also save you money in the long run.
Thinking about buying a new car this year? Consider buying a used car or electric and hybrid alternatives! Buying used as opposed to new, inherently creates less waste and you’ll be saving money instead of buying a car that loses value the second you drive it off the lot. If this year has proved anything, it is that we can’t always rely on affordable gas prices, so you definitely won’t regret transitioning to an electric vehicle this Spring. Especially with the market for electric vehicles increasing every year, you’re guaranteed to get more money back when you chose to resell your car later down the line.
Even easier ways to reduce your carbon footprint include turning off the lights when you’re leaving a room, unplugging appliances and technological devices while not in use, and replacing your incandescent lightbulbs for more eco-friendly compact fluorescent or LED lightbulbs which draw less electricity but still produce bright light for your home or office. There are many affordable options out there, and if you want to be a real champion of the environment, ride your bike to work, take public transportation, or go for a walk instead to driving to your destination. There are so many ways to take steps towards a sustainability, and if you needed a sign to take that next step, here it is! Happy Earth Day!
To read the full report by the United Nations, you can visit this website: https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/reports
