Environmentalists are urging Tompkins County residents to "walk our talk" when it comes to opposing drilling for Marcellus Shale gas in the region.
Sustainable Tompkins is calling on people to reduce the demand for natural gas used in heating, electricity generation and synthetic fertilizers. The organization intends to track the collective impact of individual actions through its Web site, sustainabletompkins.org, as part of the Marcellus Challenge campaign.
"We'll let elected officials know how many people have made pledges, what counties they represent and how much they are willing to reduce their consumption of fossil fuels," the Web site states. "Together we can send a statement to all New Yorkers about taking responsibility for our shared future!"
Eventually, organizers also hope to offer online personalized support for individual households, allowing people to upload utility records and measure their progress toward goals they set.
Some of the recommended actions include:
* Setting the thermostat at 68 degrees or less while at home and awake, down to 58 degrees or less while away or sleeping, which could produce a 3 percent savings for each degree lowered.
* Turning down the water heater to 120 degrees or lower, which could save $20-60.
* Sealing air leaks around windows, doors, chimneys and furnace ductwork, which could save up to $500.
* Line drying clothes, which could save up to $200.
* Using cold water to wash at least 80 percent of laundry, which could save up to $75.
* Installing high-efficiency shower heads, which could save $20 per person per year.
* Installing power strips to completely turn off home office and entertainment equipment, which could save up to $100.
* Buying at least 25 percent of food from local sources, and growing an additional 5 percent in one's own garden.
