Earth Hour

The City of Winnipeg is participating in the global fight against climate change by turning off the lights between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on March 29th, 2008 for Earth Hour. By taking part in this worldwide event alongside cities like Toronto, Sydney and Copenhagen, Winnipeg is supporting global action on climate change and helping to raise awareness of the issue.

On the evening of Saturday, March 29th, six civic buildings on the Main Street campus and the downtown area will be turning out their lights. However, the lights will remain on at the Public Safety Building, Civic and Millennium Library Parkades, and the Skywalk due to issues of public safety.

The City wants to use this opportunity to remind Winnipeggers that taking action at a local level can have global impacts. As individuals, we can all help by reducing our energy use. Even though almost all of Manitoba’s electricity comes from hydro power (a clean and renewable source of energy) reducing our consumption has positive environmental effects.

Manitoba Hydro exports its surplus power to neighbouring provinces and the United States, places that generate electricity by burning fossil fuel like coal. So Hydro’s exports help to reduce the amount of fossil fuels that are burned which reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information on what the City is already doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, please visit our climate change page. And with the help of the Climate Change Connection, here’s a list of twelve simple steps you can take to reduce energy use in your home.

TWELVE SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO REDUCE ENERGY USE AT HOME:

1. Turn your thermostat down in winter. During the winter, turn down your thermostat a couple degrees when you aren't home, and then again at night (it's healthier!)

2. Turn your thermostat up in summer. In summer, turn the temperature setting UP (25°C instead of 20°C) on your air conditioner if you are leaving your home for the day. Your home will be tolerably cool when you return and your cooling system will not have been working hard all day for no one. Adjust to the ideal temperature when you will be home for an extended time. Shut it off completely if you are leaving for several days.

3. Install a programmable thermostat. Installing a programmable thermostat is one of the least expensive ways to lower your home heating and cooling bill. These thermostats raise and lower the temperature automatically. In winter, you can save 3 - 4% on your heating bill by turning your thermostat down 3°C for at least eight hours every day. If you also set your programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature during the day while you are away at work, you will see additional savings.

4. Use blinds and drapes. If you don't have them, get them! Window coverings keep the heat of sun out during the summer days, lowering cooling costs. The same blinds and drapes trap heat inside during cold winter nights, keeping you warm and more energy-efficient.

5. Turn off lights when you aren’t in the room. Would you leave your car running for hours on end if you weren’t in it? Same idea.

6. Use motion detectors for outdoor lights. Instead of leaving lights on all night, use a detector that only comes on when you need it.

7. Air dry dishes. Prop open the door and dry your dishes -- without spending a cent! The warm, moist air will be welcome during dry winter conditions. During the summer, minimize the heat added to your home by running the dishwasher during the evening and skipping the heat-generating dry cycle.

8. Smaller appliances use less energy. Many meals can be easily and efficiently cooked in an electric frying pan or toaster oven. Electric kettles are the best choice for boiling water. Downsizing your appliance use will add up to big energy savings.

9. Turn down your hot water heater. Turn your water heater down to 54°C. This will save you money and keep you from burning your hands.  If your heater doesn't have a temperature gauge, run a meat thermometer under the hot water for a reading.

10. Use a clothesline or drying rack. Do you really need to use a dryer? Some items never need to see the inside of a dryer -- rags, socks, dishcloths and pillowcases don't need fluffing. Passing on the dryer extends the lifespan of all your clothes. Drying your laundry on an indoor line or rack during the winter also adds welcome moisture to the air.

11. Climate-friendly mower options. New electric models are cordless, rechargeable and do not require oil, gas, a starter rope or tune-ups. Solar models harness the sun’s energy to get the job done. Better yet, manual equipment provides light exercise while keeping your green space trimmed.

12. Plant trees strategically. Trees can help you save money on your energy bill and reduce GHG emissions from home heating and cooling. Plant evergreens on the north side of your home for shelter from winter winds. On the south side, plant leafy species for cool summer shade and warm winter sunlight.

	For more solutions to home energy use, visit Manitoba Hydro’s Power Smart For Your Home site.
	All tips courtesy of Climate Change Connection.

Last update: 27.03.2008
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