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Changing habits can change the world
Posted 10/12/2011 Updated 10/11/2011
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by Staff Sgt. Kali L. Gradishar
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
10/12/2011 - INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey (AFNS) -- Changing one minor habit can make a difference in the long run. Now imagine making a number of small changes in day-to-day activities, and you're sure to realize the savings can really add up. This is just one of the many messages behind Energy Awareness Month in October.
"What the Energy Awareness Month is trying to do is get people aware to change those small habits that people don't think would have a huge impact, but overtime, have more of an impact than some of the immediate actions that people always look for as far as ways to save energy and water," said Maj. John Sevier, the 39th Civil Engineer Squadron commander here. "What we're aiming at with the Energy Awareness Month is it really needs to become a part of an inculcation into your lifestyle."
Many concepts behind energy and water conservation are basic and quite simple to implement into one's routine.
"It's simple things (that) help a lot ... We want to make water and energy savings a habit for everybody every day," said Artemiz Avci, the 39th Civil Engineer Squadron base energy manager. "It's hard to change the culture, but we have to. We are losing the resources in the world, and we need to be more aware of this and act accordingly.
Several tips are available on the Department of Energy -- Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy website. Such tips include air drying dishes instead of using the dishwasher's drying cycle, turning off appliances when not in use, lowering the thermostat on the hot water heater, taking shorter showers, and washing only full loads of dishes and clothes.
"Energy conservation must be a habit for everybody," Avci said.
As the weather gets cooler, heaters will kick on and energy consumption may rise, but there are other options to staying warmer at home to conserve. The DOE website recommends keeping curtains and shades open during the day to let in the sun.
Other habits to consider include unplugging battery chargers when the batteries are full, using rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones, turning off water when brushing teeth, shaving or doing the dishes and using natural light instead of electricity, officials said.
"It's your basic habits ... it's really not something that you would see any sort of immediate benefit from, but the small habit changes of your lifestyle can make a big difference," the 39th CES commander said. "There's a cause and effect that goes on there, whether you see it at first or not." |
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