Earth Gauge » Sun and Heat

Work for Energy Savings

espinoza — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:59:37 +0000

Did you know that commercial and industrial buildings account for up to half of energy use in the United States? Many of the simple energy-saving steps we use at home can be implemented at work, too.

Viewer Tip: Every October, government organizations, businesses, associations and individuals observe Energy Awareness Month with activities and programs to reduce energy consumption in our daily lives. Why not make your time at work more energy efficient?

Up to 35 percent of the electricity used in an office building is consumed by lighting! If you have a desk lamp, replace a traditional light bulb with a compact fluorescent bulb (CFL). CFLs use about 75 percent less energy and last 10 times longer.
Have a window near your desk? Reduce energy needs for cooling and heating: Close blinds during warm weather to keep out the sun’s heat; on cold days, leave blinds open during daylight hours to let in the sun’s warmth.
Keep air vents clear of papers, files and office supplies. It can take up to 25 percent more energy to pump air into a workspace if vents are blocked.

Energy Star has many more tips for going green at work. Visit www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=energy_awareness.awareness_you_can_do.

(Source: U.S. EPA and DOE. “Bring Your Green to Work with Energy Star.” http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=bygtw.showSplash)

Heat and Cars

espinoza — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 15:59:38 +0000

Even on days with relatively mild temperatures of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach dangerous levels. While the windows of a car do not warm very much from the sun’s rays, the objects inside of a car absorb and radiate heat. A dark-colored seat or dashboard can reach temperatures of 180 to over 200 degrees Fahrenheit. As these objects heat up, they warm the air trapped inside of the car. Cracking the windows has little effect on temperature inside of a car.

Viewer Tip: A child’s body can warm three to five times faster than an adult’s because children’s ability to regulate body heat is not as efficient. Never leave a child unattended in a car – even for a minute – and use these simple tips to keep children safe:

Check car seats and seat belts buckles to make sure they aren’t too hot when putting your child in a car.
Teach kids not play in or around cars.
Always lock car doors and trunks, even at home. Keep keys out of reach.
When driving, put your purse or briefcase in the back seat as a reminder that you have a child in the car.

Remember that pets can also quickly become sick or die if left in a hot car. Leave furry companions at home with shade and water on hot days.

(Sources: NOAA National Weather Service. “Heat: A Major Killer,” http://www.weather.gov/om/heat/index.shtml; Null, Jan. “Hyperthermia Deaths of Children in Vehicles,” Department of Geosciences, San Francisco State University, http://www.ggweather.com/heat/index.htm; Humane Society of the United States. “The HSUS Advises Pet Owners to Keep Pets Cool during Heat Wave.” http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2011/06/heat_alert_pets_060811.html)

Heat Build-Up

espinoza — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 15:09:33 +0000

During the summer, we often think about how to stay cool while saving energy and money on utility bills. While there are many adjustments you can make to your home cooling system to save energy, it’s also important to reduce heat build-up in your home so that your cooling system doesn’t have to work overtime.

Viewer Tip: Simple changes to your daily activities on hot days can help reduce the amount of heat build-up in your home.

Cooking: On hot days, use the stovetop or microwave instead of the oven. If you cook on the stovetop, use the ventilation fan to remove heat from your home.
Showering and bathing: Using hot water can heat up your home. Use a ventilation fan while showering and bathing to remove heat and humidity form your home.
Appliances: Try to wait until the early morning or evening hours to use appliances that generate heat, including the dishwasher, clothes dryer and small devices like hair dryers and curling irons. Stereos, televisions and computers also generate some heat.

(Source: U.S. Department of Energy. “Energy Savers: Avoiding Heat Buildup.” http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12353)

Summer Sizzles with Sounds

espinoza — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 15:06:19 +0000

Snowy tree crickets, found through the United States, are around from July to October and are called “snowy” because of thier pale color. These crickets have a chirp that is easy to count and related to temperature.

Viewer Tip: Head outside after dark to listen for crickets. Count the number of chirps you hear in 13 seconds and add 40 to get the approximate temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. Make it fun by having a contest to see who can figure out the temperature. Have everyone write down their guesses and provide a prize for the winners.

Fun fact: West of the Great Plains, the snowy tree cricket chirps a bit faster. To figure the temperature there, count the number of chirps in 12.5 seconds and add 38.

This information is provided by the New England Wild Flower Society. Learn more at www.newenglandwild.org.

Gallons of Savings

espinoza — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 15:03:35 +0000

Many states are experiencing impacts from drought or dry weather, including impacts on agriculture, water and energy supplies, fires and other environmental conditions. While humans cannot prevent droughts from occurring, we can do our part to avoid intensifying their affects through our water usage.

Viewer Tip: Conserving water at home doesn’t have to be a chore. Just a few simple changes to your daily routine can add up to big water savings.

Save 5 gallons: Shorten your shower by just two minutes.
Save 5 gallons: Turn water off between rinsing dishes, rather than running water continuously.
Save at least 20 gallons: Water your lawn and garden in the early morning or evening hours, when the weather is cooler and water is less likely to evaporate.

These easy steps will save at least 30 gallons of water in one day.

Want to save even more? Check out The 40 Gallon Challenge at www.40gallonchallenge.org for more simple ways to save water at home. Track your savings and see what others in your community are doing.

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Wasp Encounters

espinoza — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 21:03:22 +0000

Have you noticed more frequent encounters with yellow jackets recently? Yellow jackets are a type of paper wasp found across the country. Depending on the species, they either nest above or below ground in colonies with workers and one queen that lays eggs. During the spring and early summer, workers build-up the colony with chambers for eggs and a protective, outer shell. When the colony reaches full size, the queen lays eggs that will develop into male and female yellow jackets that leave the nest to start new colonies the following year. Workers become more aggressive at this time, typically mid- to late-summer, to protect new larvae as they grow.

Viewer Tip: Encounters with yellow jackets tend to increase at this time of year because they are foraging for food outside the colony to feed new larvae. Yellow jackets typically reserve aggression for protecting the colony, so passing by or walking over a colony could result in an attack. If you have yellow jackets on your property, it’s best to avoid the area where the colony is located. If the colony can’t be avoided, you may need to remove or destroy it. Seek help from a professional who is experienced in pest removal – spraying water, burying or otherwise bothering a colony is likely to result in many stings.

(Sources: eNature. “Nature Watch: Summer Stingers.” Available from www.enature.com/articles/detail.asp?storyID=324)

Beach Closures

espinoza — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 21:01:05 +0000

Ocean and lake beaches around the country get closed every year due to poor water quality from pathogens – disease-causing bacteria and viruses. One way that pathogens get into the water is from pet and wild animal waste being washed down storm drains when it rains. In most communities, storm drains discharge storm water directly into local water bodies. And, even if water does go through a wastewater treatment plant, heavy rainfall can overflow the system, allowing untreated wastewater to flow into rivers, lakes and the ocean.

Viewer Tip: About 80 percent of pollution in our oceans and lakes comes from the land. No matter where you live, you can help protect water quality at local beaches by always picking up after your pet on walks and in your yard. Dispose of waste in a trash can or flush it down the toilet. To help control waste from wild animals, don’t feed geese and other water fowl. This encourages flocks to hang around shorelines and stay put through the winter months.

(Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Beaches.” http://water.epa.gov/type/oceb/beaches/index.cfm; Long Island Sound Study, “Sound Health: Status and Trends in the Health of Long Island Sound,” http://longislandsoundstudy.net/2010/12/sound-health-2010/)

Cool Roofs

espinoza — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 20:55:25 +0000

On a hot summer day in the United States, a traditional roof can get as hot as 185 degrees! Hot roofs contribute to the urban heat island effect, where temperatures in cities are warmer that surrounding natural areas. One way to reduce the urban heat island effect in cities is to install cool roofs, using materials that reflect heat and stay cooler than traditional roofs. For comparison, a black roof can reach over 180 degrees and a metal roof can reach 160 degrees on a hot sunny day, whereas a cool roof will only reach a peak temperature of about 120 degrees. And, because a cool roof transfers less heat to the building below, it can help save on air conditioning energy costs for a home or building.

Viewer Tip: If you are replacing a roof or building a home, consider using cool roofing materials. Cool roofing can be used on any building, but is especially useful when:

The weather is 80 degrees or hotter with clear skies for at least three months each year;
You use significant energy for cooling at least three months out of the year;
Your home or building duct system is in the attic;
The roof accounts for at least one-fourth of the building’s exterior surface;
You notice that your roof materials crack or age prematurely from sun damage.

Learn more about Cool Roofs from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at www.epa.gov/heatisland/mitigation/coolroofs.htm.

(Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Cool Roofs,” in Reducing Urban Heat Islands: Compendium of Strategies. Available from www.epa.gov/heatisland)

Safe Swimming

espinoza — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:20:12 +0000

Some cities in the United States, such as Miami and Phoenix, receive over 3,000 hours of sun every year! In the summer, when temperatures can top 90 or even 100 degrees, a popular way to beat the heat is to take a dip in the pool. Unfortunately, in some states – including California, Florida and Arizona – drowning is the leading cause of accidental death to children under five.

Viewer Tip: If you have a swimming pool at your home, make sure everyone knows how to swim safely while having fun.

Never leave a child unsupervised near a pool. Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
Take time to learn first aid and CPR.
Don’t run near a pool.
When spending time at the pool, keep a phone nearby so you do not have to leave children unattended or in case of an emergency.

Swimming at a community pool? Find additional safety tips at www.poolsafely.gov/pool-spa-safety/staying-safe-pools-spas/community-swimming-pools/.

(Sources: ABC Pool Safety, “Learn the ABC’s of Pool Safety,” http://www.abcpoolsafety.org/ABCs_of_Pool_Safety.377.0.html, Current Results, “Sunniest Cities,” http://www.currentresults.com/Weather-Extremes/US/sunniest-cities.php)

Step on the Grass and Save

espinoza — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 22:06:53 +0000

Peak water use season describes the time of year when communities experience their highest spike in water use—and their biggest water supply challenges. The average home uses 260 gallons of water per day, but that can rise to 1,000 gallons per day during peak watering season, and some homes can use as much as 3,000 gallons on a peak day!

Viewer Tip: To make sure you’re watering only when your lawn needs it, step on your grass. If it springs back, then it doesn’t need water. If it does need water, sprinkle in the early morning or late evening, when it’s a bit cooler, so the water doesn’t evaporate.

This information is provided by U.S. EPA’s WaterSense Program. Learn more at http://epa.gov/watersense/water_efficiency/when_its_hot.html.

Water for Wildlife

espinoza — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:35:31 +0000

Local wildlife – such as birds and small mammals – need a supply of clean water to survive periods of extreme heat and drought. Small animals often seen in our backyards typically don’t have large ranges, meaning that having fresh water close-by is extremely important for survival.

Viewer Tip: You can lend a hand to wildlife in your own backyard with these simple tips.

Keep bird baths full of clean water. Don’t have a bird bath? Adding one to your yard is relatively inexpensive and provides great bird watching opportunities.
Create a “drip jug” to hang over your bird bath. Fill a plastic milk jug with water and poke a tiny hole in the bottom. The dripping sound of the water will attract birds to the bath.
Put a few water-filled containers of different depths on the ground to help out ground squirrels and other small mammals.
Remember to change water frequently to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your yard.

Find more tips for helping wildlife cope with heat and drought at blog.nwf.org/wildlifepromise/2011/07/simple-tips-for-helping-wildlife-during-heat-waves-and-drought/.

(Source: National Wildlife Federation. “Simple Tips for Helping Wildife During Heat and Drought.” http://blog.nwf.org/wildlifepromise/2011/07/simple-tips-for-helping-wildlife-during-heat-waves-and-drought/)

Poolside Manners

espinoza — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:17:44 +0000

Did you know that a swimming pool in the summer is just as attractive to wildlife as it is to us? While enjoyable for us, swimming pools can be dangerous for wildlife. Wildlife can become trapped and drown or be harmed by chemicals in the water.

Viewer Tip: Luckily, there are many ways to help curious critters that may find themselves in your pool.

Surrounding a pool with a fence is the first step in keeping out inquisitive animals.
Pools can be built or modified to allow escape routes for trapped animals. Ropes can be added to the side of a pool near the water line to provide something for animals to use to climb out, or specially made wildlife ramps can be attached to provide an exit point.
Creating a water source or sanctuary area in your yard that targets wildlife can provide an alternative means of getting the water they need.

If you find an animal trapped in your pool before you are able to install any escape aids, there are ways to help. Small animals can be dipped out with a pool net and safely relocated. Larger animals can be helped by anchoring partially deflated pool floats near an edge and leaving the area. Please remember to be safe as these animals are wild.

This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. Learn more at www.gwf.org.

Light the Way to Savings

espinoza — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:47:32 +0000

Making improvements to your lighting is one of the easiest at-home energy efficiency jobs you can take on. According to the Department of Energy, an average household dedicates 11 percent of its energy budget to lighting. Summer is a great time to take advantage of the long hours of sunlight during the day – using natural light and keeping the lights off as long as possible will save money and energy.

Viewer Tip: Making use of natural light is not the only way to save. Try these other indoor lighting tips:

Use Energy Star compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). They use about 75 percent less energy than traditional light bulbs, produce 75 percent less heat and last up to 10 times longer.
Use light dimmers. You can save electricity by lowering light levels.
Try motion sensor lighting. Lights will automatically turn on when someone is in the room and turn off when the room is empty.

(Source: U.S. Department of Energy, www.energy.gov)

UV Safety

espinoza — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:39:02 +0000

The sun emits radiation in the form of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation is at its highest when and where the sun’s rays are the strongest. This means that UV levels will be highest around noon on a clear sunny day, as well as during the summer months. UV levels will also be highest near surfaces that reflect sunlight, such as snow or sand. Exposure to UV can cause sunburn, skin aging and eye damage.

Viewer Tip: July is UV Safety Month. Stay safe in the sun with these tips:

Wear sunscreen: Sunscreens with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 15 and above provide protection by preventing ultra violet radiation from reaching your skin.
Wear sunglasses: Protect your eyes with sunglasses that have 100 percent UV protection. Check the label for the protection level.
Work and play in the Shade: When you are outside, wear tightly woven clothing and a wide brimmed hat to reduce the amount of UV radiation coming into contact with your skin. Remember that pets need shade, too.

Before you head outside, check the UV Index at www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html.

(Sources: EPA SunWise Program. “The Sun, UV, and You: A Guide to SunWise Behavior.” http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/doc/sunuvu.pdf)

Cool Efficiently

espinoza — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:28:43 +0000

When the temperature goes up outside, so does the demand for energy for cooling. Research shows that for every one degree Fahrenheit increase in outdoor air temperatures, demand for energy increases by 1.5 to two percent! Rising energy use can lead to an increase in air pollutant emissions, which impact human health and contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, or smog.

Viewer Tip: As the temperature rises, give these tips a try to save energy at home while staying cool.

Bump the thermostat up to 78 degrees when no one is home. For each degree you raise the thermostat, you’ll save three to five percent on air conditioning costs. Close shades and curtains during the day to keep the heat out.
Run a ceiling fan to create a breeze. Raising the thermostat by just two degrees and using a ceiling fan can reduce cooling costs by up to 14 percent! Remember that fans only cool people – turn them off when you leave a room.
If you are purchasing a room air conditioner, look for the Energy Star label. Energy Star qualified models use at least ten percent less energy than standard models.

(Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Heat Island Impacts.” http://www.epa.gov/heatisld/impacts/index.htm; U.S. EPA, “EPA Offers Cooling Tips for Every Budget this Summer.” http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/6424ac1caa800aab85257359003f5337/386ebff0a635644f8525773c004d84d3!OpenDocument)

Save Some Blue on Your Green

espinoza — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:52:25 +0000

July is Smart Irrigation Month! Up to 50 percent of the water used on landscapes goes to waste from evaporation and runoff. Making the most of the water you apply to your landscape—whether from a hose or an irrigation system—can save you gallons and money on your utility bill.

Viewer Tip: Take these steps for a beautiful landscape with less water.

Add mulch to plant beds to reduce evaporation, limit weed growth, keep soil temperature cool, and prevent erosion.
Raise the lawn mower blade so your grass will grow deeper roots, which means less watering.
When you water, make sure to spray only on the lawn and plant beds—not the sidewalk, driveway or street.
If you have an irrigation system, visit www.epa.gov/watersense to find a WaterSense irrigation partner who can audit your system for water-efficient opportunities.

This information is provided by the U.S. EPA’s WaterSense Program. Learn more at www.epa.gov/watersense.

Handling Heat Islands

espinoza — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:20:28 +0000

On hot, sunny days, surface temperatures of roofs and pavement can be from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the air temperature! These hot surfaces contribute to “urban heat islands” where temperatures in cities are hotter than surrounding, less developed areas. The urban heat island effect can be particularly pronounced at night, when city temperatures may be as much as 22 degrees Fahrenheit higher than surrounding areas. Higher temperatures in cities have a number of impacts, including increased energy use for air conditioning, increased emissions of air pollutants, and impacts on human health.

Viewer Tip: Older individuals are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. The body’s cooling mechanism doesn’t work as efficiently as we age and living alone or being confined to a bed can further increase vulnerability. Keep these tips in mind to help older family members and friends stay healthy:

Seek out A/C – A few hours per day in an air-conditioned building can reduce risk of illness. If your home does not have A/C, visit a senior center, movie theater, library, mall or designated community cooling center. A fan may provide some relief, but when temperatures reach the high 90′s, electric fans do not prevent heat-related illness.
Dress the Part – Wear light-weight, loose clothing that is light in color. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol or lots of sugar, which can cause dehydration.
Check Up – If you have a family member, friend or neighbor who is at risk, visit them regularly. If you see signs of heat-related illness – confusion, hot and dry skin, hallucinations, or aggression – seek help immediately.

Learn more at www.epa.gov/aging/resources/epareportst.htm#temp.

(Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Heat Island Impacts.” http://www.epa.gov/heatisld/impacts/index.htm; and “It’s Too Darn Hot – Planning for Excessive Heat Events.” Publication number: EPA 100-F-07-025, www.epa.gov/aging)

Urban Heat Island profile image courtesy of U.S. EPA.

Invasive Asian Carp

espinoza — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 13:22:31 +0000

Warm summer days mean lots of people head out to the Great Lakes to go boating and fishing. While you’re on the water, it is important to keep an eye out for silver and bighead carp, which are invasive fish that pose a threat to native Great Lakes species and even boaters. These fish were introduced to the United States in the 1970s to improve water quality in water treatment systems and aquaculture ponds, as well as to increase harvests from catfish ponds. Experts think the carp made their way to the Mississippi River when these ponds flooded. From there, the fish have entered the Great Lakes system through the Chicago Canal, which connects the Mississippi to Lake Michigan, and also through accidental release by fishers.

Viewer Tip: If you are boating, be careful – these carp jump out of the water when disturbed by boat motors and can cause injury to boaters. If you are fishing, young bighead or silver carp can be easily mistaken for minnows or shad and accidentally released back into the water. Pay attention to the fish you are releasing back into the water to help slow the spread of these species. For details on what each fish looks like and their characteristics, visit the Michigan Seat Grant website at www.miseagrant.umich.edu/ais/asian-carp.html.

(Source: Michigan Sea Grant. “Asian Carp Overview.” http://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/ais/asian-carp.html)

Mighty Menace

espinoza — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:31:51 +0000

Summer fun can sometimes be hindered by pesky insects such as mosquitoes. Often our defense for this bothersome biter is to apply lotions and sprays or ignite repellant-infused candles. This is an effective way to deter the current mosquito population, but taking the time to prevent breeding and repopulation can significantly increase your summertime enjoyment.

Viewer Tip: Removing or altering the places that allow mosquitoes to lay their eggs is your first step in the fight against these irritating insects.

Water is necessary for mosquitoes to lay their eggs, so eliminate places that collect standing water. Frequently empty the water out of toys, old tires, recycling containers, any other items that may inadvertently serve as containers. Also replenish bird baths or pet bowls often.
If you have water on your property, consult area experts to see if adding mosquito fish to your ponds can help you naturally reduce the mosquito population.
Sometimes mosquitoes can carry diseases. Because you cannot completely remove all mosquitoes, it’s important to protect yourself. Using a deck fan, protective clothing and avoiding being outside during dusk and dawn will help reduce your risk of bites.

This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. For more information, visit www.gwf.org.

Fireworks

espinoza — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:10:28 +0000

In the United States, more fires are reported on the Fourth of July each year than any other day. In 2009, fireworks ignited an estimated 18,000 fires, many of which were outdoor grass and brush fires. These fires can spread quickly, especially in areas that are experiencing dry weather or drought.

Viewer Tip: The best way to enjoy fireworks safely is to visit a public display that is organized by professionals. If you are thinking about using fireworks, keep these tips in mind to prevent fires and have a safe holiday:

Check the laws. Laws about fireworks use vary from state to state. Before using any fireworks, check with city or county officials to find out if there are use restrictions and bans.
Light up safely. Keep fireworks out of the hands of young children. Never light fireworks near your home, dry leaves or grass, or other flammable materials.
Douse it out. Always keep a bucket of water around to douse the fireworks when you are done. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, too.

Did you know? A sparkler burns at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. For comparison, water boils at 212 degrees, wood burns at 575 degrees and glass melts at 900 degrees!

(Sources: Hall Jr., John R. “Fireworks.” National Fire Protection Association, Fire Analysis and Research Division, June 2011; Firesafety.gov, “Fireworks and Summer Fire Safety.” http://www.firesafety.gov/citizens/firesafety/fireworks.shtm)