By: Makala Gatta

 Installing solar panels: ◦ Solar energy is the cleanest, most abundant, renewable energy source available. ◦ Solar energy can be produced on a distributed basis, called distributed generation, with equipment located on rooftops or on ground-mounted fixtures close to where the energy is used.

 Ways to harness solar energy: ◦ Photovoltaic- converting light to electricity. ◦ Solar Thermal- heating and cooling systems. ◦ Utility Scale- concentrating solar power. ◦ Some design or building materials take advantage of the sun's position and availability to provide direct heating or lighting.

 Switch to energy efficient appliances: ◦ If you live in a typical U.S. home, your appliances and home electronics are responsible for about 20% of your energy bills.  Ex. Washers, dryers, computers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, TV’s, DVD players

 When it comes to shopping for and comparing energy-efficient appliances and home electronics, look for the ENERGY STAR® and EnergyGuide labels.  The ENERGY STAR labeling program includes most home electronics and appliances except for stove ranges and ovens.  In late 2009 or early 2010, you can receive rebates to purchase new ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances when you replace your used appliances.  Making your home more energy efficient with ENERGY STAR can help to reduce high energy bills, improve comfort and help to protect the environment.

 Carpooling: ◦ Lower commuting stress by sharing the driving, which reduces traffic congestion by eliminating over 40 million driving miles from the region's roadways annually. ◦ Improve the region’s air quality by removing over 1.5 million pounds of air pollution annually. ◦ A commuter with a 60-mile daily commute saves $4, annually in a 2-person carpool versus commuting alone

 Drive less: ◦ If just one in 10 Americans used public transportation daily, U.S. reliance on foreign oil would decrease 40 percent. ◦ Families that use public transportation can reduce their household expenses by $6,200 annually. ◦ People who use public transportation regularly tend to be healthier than people who don’t, because of the exercise they get walking to and from bus stops, subway stations and their homes and offices.

 "About Solar Energy | SEIA - Solar Energy Industries Association." Home | SEIA - Solar Energy Industries Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 May  "Energy Savers: Appliances and Home Electronics." EERE: Energy Savers Home Page. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 May  Usage, Energy. "Save Energy at Home : ENERGY STAR." Home : ENERGY STAR. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 May  " RideFinders - Carpool Benefits." RideFinders Homepage. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 May  West, Larry. "Public Transportation - Fast Track to Fewer Emissions and Energy Independence." Environmental Issues - News and Information about the Environment. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 May