Hawai'i AgriTourism Association

Innovate * Educate * Perpetuate

Energy

By

Energy

Energy

Here in Hawaii we have a huge dependency on oil. Right now, oil products produce more than 90% of Hawaii’s energy for transportation and electricity, but none of that oil has been found here!

Here are some great ways to reduce your carbon footprint and take responsibility for YOUR EARTH.

Energy Genius:

  1. Believe in the Breeze. Open the windows and let some outside air into the circulation.
  2. Be Made in the Shade. Plant trees, shrubs, hedges or other trellises to provide shade on the sunnier side of your home. Be smart and strategic about where you install awnings and tinting to maximize the insulation.
  3. Keep your Cool. Regular maintenance checks will make sure you’re A/C unit is running efficiently. Sometimes rebates are offered for having central air conditioning systems.
  4. Hang in there. Use a solar clothes dryer, better known as a clothesline.
  5. Chill your wash. With the right detergents, your clothes will get just as clean in cold water as they will in hot.
  6. Don’t over do it. Turn your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees or less. Replace your water heater if it’s time to retire. Some rebates are available to this too.
    For more energy savvy tips, visit www.heco.com.

Top 10 tiny ways to make a BIG difference:

  1. Let the air in. Riding a bike, skateboarding or going for a walk are great ways to get around. If must drive, try rolling down the windows instead of using the A/C. You’ll use less gas.
  2. Carry a Water bottle. Cut down on all those single use bottles.
  3. Cook Mindfully. Consider cutting your favorite recipe in half to reduce the amount of perishable ingredients you use and the amount of food is left over.
  4. Change more light bulbs. Compact florescent light bulbs save energy, so use them everywhere.
  5. Push back power. Our electric demand peak (from 5 to 9pm weekdays) drives how much new power generation us needed. So avoid running pool and spa pumps, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers in those times.
  6. Head to the car wash. Car washes actually use less water than you would using the backyard hose. That’s because car washes recycle their water and high-pressured systems.
  7. Reuse your towels. Use towels more than once (or twice!) By reducing the number of towels washed you’ll reduce the number amount of water used per washing too.
  8. Go paperless. Opt to receive newsletters and bills via email instead of snail mail to reduce the amount of paper used in your office or home.
  9. Clean your lint filter. The less lint in your filter equals the less energy used to dry your clothed. If your filter is full you may be wasting energy.
  10. Use your microwave. Microwaves are more energy efficient than electric ovens.

Truths and Trends:

  • Hawaii is a national leader in renewable energy production, which supplies 8% of our energy needs. The national average is less the 3 %.
  • Use ENERGY STAR® appliances
    When it is time to replace or add appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR® symbol on refrigerators, ovens and dishwashers, as well as DVD and VCR players, televisions and home office equipment. Visit ENERGY STAR to learn more. Insert chart.
  • Hawaii has one of the largest, most successful solar water heating programs nationwide.