Energy efficiency and conservation go a long way toward preserving our planet's rich natural resources and promoting a healthy environment.

Below you will find simple things that consumers, businesses, children and teachers can do to help reduce energy consumption. 

ENERGY STAR Home Improvement Toolbox

Provides practical advice for home improvement and remodeling decisions.

1. In the winter, turn your thermostats down to 68 degrees or below. Reduce the setting to 55 degrees before going to sleep or when leaving for the day. (For each 1 degree you turn down the thermostat in the winter, you'll save up to 5% on your heating costs.)
2. Turn off non-essential lights and appliances. The electricity generated by fossil fuels for a single home puts more carbon dioxide into the air than two average cars!
3. Avoid running large appliances such as washers, dryers, and electric ovens during peak energy demand hours from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
4. Close shades and blinds at night to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows. This also applies during the day for warm climates.
5. Buy Energy Star appliances, products and lights.

For Business:

1. In the winter, turn your thermostat down to 68 degrees or below. Reduce the setting to 55 degrees at the end of the day. (For each 1 degree you turn down the thermostat in the winter, you'll save up to 5% on your heating costs.)
2. Turn off all unnecessary lights, especially in unused offices and conference rooms and turn down remaining lighting levels where possible.
3. Set computers, monitors, printers, copiers and other business equipment to their energy saving feature and turn them off at the end of the day.
4. Minimize energy usage during peak demand hours from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
5. Buy Energy Star appliances, products, and lights.
6. Consider placing outdoor signs on a timer so they only run until 1:00 am, saving electricity during non-peak hours.

1. Choose an energy monitor for your classroom every week who will make sure that energy is being used properly.
2. At home, hold a ribbon up to the edges of windows and doors. If it blows, you've found a leak. Tell your parents.
3. When you leave the room, turn off the light.

This information was provided by earth911.org.  You can also visit some of the websites below for more.

Alternative Energy Resources in Kentucky

Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings

The Kentucky Solar Partnership

Southern Recycling
320 Clay Street, Bowling Green, KY  42101
270-781-3265

Harp R E & Sons Salvage Inc
657 Power Street, Bowling Green, KY 
270-842-3526

PSC Metals, Inc.
105 Kelly CT
Bowling Green, KY  42101
270-842-3765

Bowling Green Recycling
6130 Nashville Rd, Bowling Green, KY
270-780-0155