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Shedding Light on FluorescentsGet the Most From Go Green, Save GreenTurn it Off and Save During Peak Times

goGreenSUMMER 2008 Common Sense Meets Conservation

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If all SDG&E customers go paperless, we would save approximately 500 tons (one million pounds!) of pap

every year. Plus going paperless saves time, money and postage, and its easy to do.

goGreenis printed onrecycled paper, 10% post consumer,

and with soy-based inks. We hope

you enjoygo and will keep

it to refer to and make sure it does

not go in the landfills.

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163

Contents S U M M E R 2 0 0 8 V O L U M E 1 - N U M B E R 1

How many concerned citizens doesit take to screw in a light bulb?Find out how much of a differencechanging just a few ordinary lightbulbs can make on your familyscarbon footprint.

Exposed! Energy Hogs Could beLurking in Your Home!A quick look at some of the ordinarythings in your home that can be adrain on power and your wallet whennot managed properly.

Instant Karma:Investing in Californias TomorrowOrganizations are finding out thatbecoming more sustainable paysdividends both immediately andin the long-term.

Fuels Gold:Rising Gas Prices Trigger Demandfor Alternative Fuel VehiclesA look at some of the new technologiesand opportunities resulting from theprice pressure on traditional gasoline.

Keeping Up with the Jetsons:A Power Grid Smartens UpIn the future, your power meter willcommunicate with the grid, resultingin savings and new convenience. Andthe future is now.

3

5

6

9

11

Growing Renewable Energy toMeet Future NeedsBy 2011, SDG&E plans to obtain 20%of its electricity from renewable sourcFind out what this means to you.

Plugging into the SunFind out about the solar revolution,and how you can be a part of this wavof the future.

A No-Bull Effort:Does Your Company Measure Up?Make sure you are doing all you canto walk the walk and talk the talk.

Fresh Air: Fun and GamesA crossword puzzle and fun quizlet you test your green IQ.

Think Fast:Ten Quick Ways to Change for the BeTen things you can do today to reduceyour footprint and improve the plane

13

15

18

19

21

Publisher Jeffrey BaraschEditorial Director Wendy Murphy

Art Director Bruce McGowin

Manager Editorial Services Justin Colby

Project Director Bret Barasch

Designer Lisanne Schnell

Business Manager Liz Lynch

Copy Editor Mary McNamara

GoGreen is published in partnership

with SDG&E by:

Onward Publishing, Inc.,

10 Lewis Road, Northport, NY 11768

631.757.3030

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 2008

XXXXXXXXXXXX. All rights reserved.

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3 Go Green

CFLs can be used in most

incandescent fixtures

already in your home.

CFLs use up to 2/3

less energy and can

save up to $65 in

energy costs per year.

CFLs cut energy

consumption almost

in half with the use

of dimmable lights.

CFLs distribute the

light more efficiently

and evenly than

standard fixtures.

CFLs produce 70%

less heat than

their incandescent

equivalents.

Doing your part can havea simple start

Can individuals really have an impact

on reducing global warming? In onesmall way, it doesnt take more than

screwing in a lightbulb. Or as we say,

Change a lightchange the world.

WHY CFLs?

SCREW in alightbulb?

HowManyConcerned CitizensDoes It Take to

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Common Sense Meets Conserv

In fact, if each of Californias 12 million house-

holds replaced five incandescent light bulbs with

compact fluorescent (CFLs) bulbs, the state would

save 6.18 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity and

reduce carbon dioxide by more than 2.25 million

tons the equivalent of taking nearly 415,000

cars off the road.

Using your energy smarts

Whats more, besides helping the environment,

exchanging your incandescent light bulbs for

energy-saving CFLs may lower your annual lighting

costs as well as help the environment. CFLs provide

high-quality light, require less energy than typical

incandescent bulbs, cost only one-fourth as much

to operate, and last up to 10 times longer.

Energy-efficient light bulbs are cheap to run

because they convert most of the electricity they

consume to light rather than heat. Theres a reason

for that warm glow up to 90% of the energy

used by traditional incandescent bulbs is wasted

in producing heat.

This means that CFLs provide the same amount of

light as incandescent bulbs, but have lower wattage

ratings. For example, a 23-watt CFL produces as

much light as a 100-watt incandescent bulb. They

use less energy and cause less pollution while still

producing the same amount of light.

Lets take it a little further. If every American

home replaced five high-use light fixtures or bulbs

with ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR,

wed keep more than one trillion pounds of green-

house gases from entering the atmosphere

equal to the emissions of 8 million cars. Thats a

$6 billion energy savings, and its equivalent to

the annual output of more than 21 power plants.

Pitch In, But Dont Pitch Those Bulbs!

While CFLs are a great energy-saving solution, each fluorescent bulb contains asmall amount of mercury. For this reason, as of 2006, it is unlawful for Californians to dispose

of CFLs in their regular trash. To help you adhere to the law, here are some guidelines for you to

follow, as well as a list of resources for disposal when the time comes to replace your new CFLs.

Do not place lamps containing mercury into your blue solid waste recyclingbin. Check with your local waste management agency or municipal government entity to findout where to take these items in your area.

Prior to drop-off at city recycling centers, wrap the bulb in a sealed plastic bag toreduce the risk of bulb breakage or contamination and to protect yourself from potential cuts.

If your bulb breaks, handle it carefully and be certain to sweep up all the glass fragments.Dont vacuum, because that can disperse particles. Place the broken pieces in a plastic bag

and wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up any stray shards of glass or powder.

Out withthe old

And now theres

lighting exchange

program that can

make it easy to b

part of this effort

Youll be able to

make a one-for-o

exchange for up t

five incandescent

bulbs (75 watts o

higher) or two

halogen fixtures

once a year per

household. All yo

need is a Californ

ID and an SDG&Ebill. For bulb

exchange events

in your area or fo

more information

call 1-800-411-73

Will include relev

dates from Calen

once final drop d

is determined.

Recycling resouTake back yourfluorescent lightingto these retailrecycling partners:

IKEA: 2149 FentoParkway, San DieCA 92108

Birch Aquarium:2300 ExpeditionWay, La Jolla,CA 92037

Please call I LoveA Clean San Diegat 800.237.BLUor visitwww.wastefreesdfor additional informa

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Did you know that Buildings account for 12% of all freshwater use, 30% of all raw

materials consumed, 48% of all greenhouse gas emissions, and 70% of all electricity use?It follows then that looking around our houses, we can find lots of energy hogs, and lots

of little ways to reduce the impact that our homes have on the environment. To see an

interactive view of a home, and learn about energy consumption of everyday appliances,

visit http://sdge.com/residential/interactivehome/

In the Bedroom, if you usea window air conditioner inyour house, look closely atthe energy ratings. Aninexpensive energy hog

air conditioner will use farmore energy and cost moreover the long term.

In the office, turn off your computerwhen you won t be using it for a while.A computer left running all day can useup to $1.50 worth of electricity a day!

5 Go Green

EXPOSED!

In the Kitchen, anelectric burner on high

heat uses $.30 an hour,while the differencebetween an efficient

ENERGY STAR refrigera-tor and an old, outdatedmodel can be as high as

$15-$20 each month!

In the Garage/Laundry Rooma dryer costs as much as $.71 p30 minute load. A washer canuse as much as $.30 on warm

water setting. Hang clothes ouside in nice weather, and washfull loads with cold water whenappropriate.

In the Bedroom, an electric space heatercan get expensive $.38 per hour instead,

use an electric blanket for cold nights,

which uses only $.01-.02 per hour

In the Bathroom, hair stylingappliances like curling irons,straightening irons and blow-d

ers are okay to use, but accidetally left on overnight, they arboth dangerous and costly.Always unplug after each use.

In the Living Room, choose anLCD when you upgrade your TV. Theyhave comparable images to a plas-ma, and a plasma uses 5 times as

much power! That s more thanenough savings to upgrade to HBO

EnergyHogs could be

Lurkingin Your Home

Xtreme Energy Makeover Xtreme Energy Makeover is a project designed to demonstrate the energy efficiencyand conservation opportunities available for older homes built before the strict modern building efficiency codes. An older

house was selected from hundreds of applicants, and renovated to employ several energy-saving improvements. During

open houses, the general public and contractors are invited in to understand the feasibility and affordability of many of

the changes made to the house, and also to ask questions of energy experts in attendance. To find out more about the

program, including when the next open house will be held, visit www.xtremeenergymakeover.com .

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While our homes use a great deal of power,

water and other resources when combined,

a single business or organization can have

an impressive impact by going green due to

their sheer size. And these organizations arelearning that being smart about conservation

is not only a smart long-term choice, its also

can pay dividends immediately in a better

relationship with the community, happier

employees, and lower utility bills.

Instant Karma:Investing in

Californias TomorrowInvesting in

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7 Go Green

Harnessing the power of the sun

The facility is unique because it combines solar

power with daylight harvesting techniques. Two sep-

arate rooftop solar power systems generate electricitythrough photovoltaic cells. The first system provides

100% of the electricity to light the entire building.

The second puts locally generated solar power back

into the power grid for use by the community.

Together, these systems offset all of the office

areas energy use, including lighting, climate

control, and all other electrical systems. And, every

year, theyre helping to prevent more than 300,000

pounds of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.

Whats more, the facilitys innovative daylight har-

vesting system uses 162 skylights to flood the entirewarehouse with even, natural light. Multiple lenses in

each skylight block the heat and diffuse the sunlight.

Although these skylights provide 100% of the light-

ing needed in the warehouse during normal business

hours, each skylight also houses a high output fluo-

rescent lighting system equipped with light and

motion sensors.

Managing the suns impact

Meanwhile, to minimize heat gain, the office

windows feature an insulated glazing system, a

the roofing system is a highly reflective cool roo

The exterior also includes a greenwave wall

a metal grid thats attached about six inches aw

from the outside wall. It provides a growing and

climbing surface for trumpet vines, which grow

really fast. The foliage shades the wall of the bu

ing, shielding it from the suns heat.

Green through and through

The facility uses low-flow water fixtures and dua

flush toilets to achieve a 30% reduction in water

use. The cooling system uses evaporative cooledcondensers, saving about 28% over traditional ai

conditioning systems. The concrete building wal

flyash, a byproduct of coal-burning power plants

would otherwise be dumped in landfills. The use

flyash reduces the need for Portland cement in co

struction, which saves energy as well. And, abou

75% of the reinforcing steel in the walls is recycl

Hunter Industries:Big Time Energy Conversation

No stone was left unturned when Hunter Industries, one of the worlds leading manufacturer

of landscape irrigation systems, built energy conservation into its new 140,000 square foot

facility. This building represents our organizations commitment to sustainable design,

says Greg Hunter of Hunter Industries.

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Solana Beach Schools:Conservation by Example

The Solana Beach School District serves more than 2,700 students at its six

elementary schools. One important educational component is raising environmental

awareness among students, parents, and staff. Toward that end, the districts

Superintendent Leslie Fausset embarked on a comprehensive Go Green effort

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The result is an energy-efficient facility and an

environmentally friendly workplace a buildin

thats as good for the community as it is for its

owners and employees.

A high achievement lesson plan

Some of the upgrades were relatively simple, lik

retrofitting more than 4,000 light fixtures, puttin

lights and sprinkler systems on timers, and

implementing a district-wide recycling program.

Other approaches used advanced technology to

control energy use, like continually upgrading a

computer-controlled energy management system

(EMS) that was already in place, which constantl

monitors and controls the heating, ventilation, an

lighting needs in all the buildings on each campu

In 2005, the District took advantage of SDG&Es

Savings By Design program, which helped to

integrate green building principles into the

construction of its newest and largest school,

Solana Pacific Elementary. This campus madeextensive use of natural daylight for illumination

while minimizing the effects of direct sunlight

that would drive up the cost of cooling.

The results were higher energy-efficiency

standards, lower operating costs, and an award

for classroom design from the state of California

Were very proud of what our school district

has achieved, says Bill Banning, Assistant

Superintendent of Administrative Services. Yes

we have limited budgets, but our commitment

to the environment and our kids is boundless.Moving forward, the District is incorporating the

latest green building principles into the planning

and design of its seventh school, located in the

Pacific Highlands Ranch community.

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9 Go Green

And there is nothing more important to the US

economy than ridding ourselves of our dependence

on foreign oil. The escalating price of gasoline has

caused virtually everything we buy to cost more and

is hampering growth in Americas economy. One of

the key answers to this dilemma is alternative fuel.

Electric vehicles = less pollution

Electric Vehicles (EVs) generally cost less to own, operate

and maintain than combustion-powered vehicles, even in

cases where the initial purchase price is somewhat higher.

The electric motors that power EVs have very few

moving parts and dont need engine oil, anti-freeze

or transmission fluid, so they require relatively little

maintenance and are far less likely to leak. Excellent

reliability means down time is less likely, too.

EVs emit no pollutant from the tailpipe, so theyre

cleaner for the environment and better for everyones

respiratory health. And EVs run far more quietly

than conventional vehicles.

Clean Transportation Project

The Clean Transportation Project (CTP) in California

promotes the use of hybrid electric and electric vehicle

drive technology and manages pilot projects for both

commercial and residential applications. In one program,

two 2007 Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles were studied for six

months and then converted to Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicl

(PHEV), which feature a larger battery and are filled up

using a standard wall outlet. The fuel efficiency of the two

cars increased from 44 miles per gallon to almost 70, with

greater range between plug-ins.

According to William Zobel, who helped manage the progra

for CTP, fuel efficiency should increase even more once thes

technologies are being produced and manufactured. Theyre

coming, he says emphatically.

Environmental factors are

excellent reasons for considering

alternative-fuel vehicles.

But today, economics namely

record-breaking gas prices

are escalating the demand for

alternatives to conventionalgasoline-driven vehicles.

24

ARMRMBESTGAS&DIESELPRICESINTOWN

LEGEG1 BORNORN

7

9/10

9/10

ST

Fuels Gold:RisingGas Prices Trigger Demand

for Alternative Fuel Vehicles

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NGVs Are a Gas

Meanwhile, compressed natural gas-powered

vehicles, or natural gas vehicles (NGVs), can

also have an immediate and positive impact on

fuel efficiency, air quality, U.S. energy dependenceon imported oil, and public health. Natural gas

is one of the cleanest, least polluting fossil fuels,

and costs less per gallon than gasoline.

Fed up with Southern California traffic? As the

owner of a dedicated natural gas vehicle, you may

be entitled to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV

or carpool) lanes, even if youre a solo driver.

Many NGVs are being offered by major vehicle

manufacturers. Other types of vehicles can be con-

verted and certified by the California Air Resources

Board. And several manufacturers produce heavy-duty engines that operate on natural gas, which are

suitable for delivery vehicles, refuse trucks, street

sweepers, school buses and transit buses.

Keeping America MovingToward the Future

In fact, a recently announced collaborative

demonstration, conducted by California Cartage

Co. and Autocar put into service the nations first

clean-burning compressed natural gas trucks used

to transport containers off-loaded from ships. Five

trucks are currently being used to move containers

between the San Pedro Bay ports, which include

the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, to nearby

freight-consolidation yards.

The new truck engines are certified to meet the

U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys stringent

2010 on-road emission standards. Nitrogen oxide

emissions from the trucks are 80 percent lower

than the certification level for even the cleanest

heavy-duty diesel engine. Theyre even performing

better than the stringent emission requirements

of both the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action

Plan and the California Air Resources Board.

Approximately two-thirds of the 17 million

containers coming into the San Pedro Bay Ports

are moved by truck within 25 miles of the docks.

As such, the use of a low-carbon natural gas

fuel will reduce greenhouse-gas emissions byapproximately 20 percent compared to new

diesel trucks, and it will help the state reach its

goals under AB32, Californias Global Warming

Solutions Act.

Following the initial 12- to-18-month

demonstration project, SDG&E hopes to then

further reduce emissions by switching the fuel

from natural gas to a a natural gas/hydrogen

blend. This blend is highly regarded for the

future, because the fuel has been proven to

reduce nitrogen-oxides emissions from natural

gas engines by an additional 30 to 50 percent.

SoWhat dyou think?

Let us know your

thoughts about

GoGreen magazine

by visiting

www.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x

(or are we includin

a postcard) and we

send you a free co

of Cycling to Work

A Chelsea GreenGuide, a complete

guide to make

cycling to work a

reality, and safe, fo

the beginning cycli

Also, each respons

will be entered into

drawing to win a

high-end bicycle an

helmet, like the on

pictured here don

hesitate, order tod

Common Sense Meets Conserva

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Keeping up with the Jetsons a power gridsmartens up.

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Raising the IQ of your HomeThe Benefits of Smart Meter

Enjoy greater privacy Meter readerswill no longer have to enter your property

Solve problems faster With smartmeters, SDG&E can find outages quickly

they can identify and fix the problem fast

Save energy and money With theenergy use information collected by your

smart meter, you to find the best ways

of reducing your energy use.

Help the environment With theinformation they provide, smart meters

can help you save energy which saves

natural resources and reduces the need t

build new power plants or other equipme

We may be a long way off from space cars that fold

up into briefcases. But San Diegans will have Smart

Meters in their homes in the not-too-distant future

digital devices that communicate energy use

information to help you use it more efficiently.

Unlike existing meters, smart meters have a

computer chip, so youll be able to receive energy

use information every hour at your home and every15 minutes at a business. This information will help

you understand your energy use patterns and make

money-saving and environmentally friendly changes.

In the foreseeable future, smart meters will also

send you notification when your bill reaches a

pre-determined amount, and youll also be able to

control smart appliances at your home or business

through the Internet. Eventually, when your home

is equipped with a home area network (HAN),

youll be able to connect to and control many different

automated digital devices even when youre notat home.

If youre on vacation, for example, youll be able to

use a cell phone to switch appliances on or off, arm

a home security system, control temperature gauges

and lighting, or program a home entertainment

system. Or, on a hot day, your smart meter could

send a signal to your HAN to help you conserve

energy. And it will be easier than programming that

antique VCR thats blinking under your flat screen TV.

Installing the first Smart Meters

In May 2008, SDG&E began installing the first smart

meters in a portion of Tierrasanta, where the smart

meter technology is being tested in a mix of single-

family homes, condominiums and small businesses.

The completion of installations is expected in 2011.

Customers will be notified of their installation date

by mail one month before the installation and a

reminder letter two weeks in advance. Customers

will also receive an automated phone call 24-48 hours

before the appointment.

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13 Go Green

More and more electricity is being generated from renewable sources

including sunlight, wind, geothermal heat, landfill gas and biomass, such

as tree trimmings to meet energy needs. San Diegans can expect a blend

of such renewable energy as a vital part of the regions energy resources.

While the U.S. currently relies heavily on coal, oil, and natural gas for its energy,

these fossil fuels are nonrenewable, that is, they draw on finite resources that

will eventually dwindle, becoming too expensive or too environmentally damaging

to retrieve. In contrast, renewable energy resources such as wind and solar

energyare constantly replenished and will never run out.

Growingrenewable energy

to meet future need

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Solar Most renewable energy comes eitherdirectly or indirectly from the sun. Sunlight,

or solar energy can be used directly for heating

and lighting, and generating electricity.

Wind The suns heat also drives the winds,whose energy is captured with wind turbines.

Biomass Grass, tree trimmings, or otherorganic material from plants, known as biomass,

can be used to produce electricity, transportation

fuels, or chemicals.

Hydrogen Found in many organiccompounds and water, its the most abundant

element on the Earth, and can be burned as

a fuel or converted into electricity.

Geothermal Geothermal energy tapsthe Earth's internal heat for a variety of uses,

including electric power production and the

heating and cooling of buildings.

Ocean The ocean can produce thermalenergy from the suns heat and mechanical

energy from the tides and waves.

Hydropower Flowing water creates energythat can be captured and turned into electricity.

Today, green energy tends to be more costly

than conventional power because the technology

is still new and developing. But every year,

these costs are declining and becoming

increasingly competitive.

By 2011, SDG&E plans to obtain

20% of its electricity from

renewable sources.

Wind Turbines at

Altamont Pass

A growing amoun

of your electricit

is coming from

renewable or

green energy

sources such as

sunlight and wind

The blades on wi

turbines spin whe

the wind blows to

generate electric

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15 Go Green

Plugging Into the SU

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If your family is considering a making a move toward solar, the first step is to

educate yourself. There are a number of technologies, which can be broken into

two major applications that are used by homes and businesses.

Photovoltaic panels convert light from the sun directly into electricity using aphotochemical process similar to that used by plants. Advances in the technology

behind these devices has advanced so far that, on a sunny day, enough sun falls

on a typical California home to provide the electricity used in that house.

Solar Thermal Energy uses the suns energy for heat. During the day, while thesun it at the brightest point, heat energy is stored in a large thermal mass, such

as stone, and can be released later in the day. These systems are most commonly

used for heat swimming pools and for space heating, but are finding broader

applications every day.

There are plenty of ways you can use renewable solar energy to reduce your

consumption of nonrenewable oil and gas. And there are resources that can helpyou learn more about it and how you can acquire it. These resources include:

So WATT! An Illuminating Look at Energy is a hands-on exhibition thatexamines San Diegos growing demand for electricity and lets visitors explore

electricity production, alternative sources of energy, and basic conservation

strategies people can try at home and at work. Made possible by grants from

SDG&E and Shell Trading, with additional support from the Kenneth T. and

Eileen L. Norris Foundation, So WATT! features five interactive exhibits,

including a touch-screen interface where visitors can monitor electricity being

generated by 10,000 square feet of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof

of the Science Center.

The California Center for Sustainable Energy is an independentnon-profit dedicated to fostering public policy and programs to facilitate the

adoption of clean, reliable, sustainable and efficient energy technologies and

practices. The Center sponsors Solar Energy Week, October 12-18, 2008, which

includes Family Solar Energy Day, A Commercial Solar Tour, Solar Power

Conference and Expo, and the 9th Annual San Diego Solar Homes Tour.

Solar energy is the talk of the town in San Diego new developments in solar technology, higher energy prices,

and incentives from the State of California are together making

this clean energy source more attractive than ever. There has

never been a better time to become a part of the best kind of

energy under the sun.

On a sunny day,

enough sun falls on

a typical California

home to provide

the electricity

used in that house.

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17 Go Green

Looking to the Skies:Governor Schwarzeneggers 3.3 Billion

Solar Roof Program:

To ensure that California continues to be a leader in

solar power, Governor Schwarzenegger has signed

legislation to put his Million Solar Roofs Plan into act

This plan aims to reduce green house gas emissions

3 million tons with the goal of one million solar roofs

by 2018. This new law makes it easier for households

to install solar panels, and also allows families to sel

surplus power back to the grid during peak times.

One million solar roofs mean 3,000 megawatts of c

energy. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions f

generating that power from solar rather than traditi

methods is like removing one million cars from the r

SDG&E introduced a new electric rate option on May

2008, for residential customers with solar electric

generation systems. This new rate may help reduce

energy costs by offering a bigger credit for excess

electricity put onto the power grid during peak-use

hours, especially during the summer. Get involved in

the Million Solar Roofs Plan, and you can be a major

part in putting pollution in the past. For details about

these exciting opportunities, visit www.sdge.com/sola

Solara First apartmentsfully powered by the sun

When searching for the perfect spot for a new

project, Community HousingWorks took a blighted

site in Poway, just north of San Diego, and turned it into

a beautiful example of a sustainable community. SOLARA is

a 56-unit affordable housing complex and consists of six two-story

buildings and a 2,100 square foot community center.

The project earned the first Zero Energy Net Home project

designation by the California Energy Commission. Solara is anSDG&E Sustainable Communities Program project which also

won national awards in 2007 from both the Solar Electric Power

Association and the American Council for an Energy Efficient

Economy for promoting green building initiatives.

Among Solaras many sustainable features include:

Mandatory green orientation for residents including agreen curriculum for children and families

Extensive recycling program

Decking made from reclaimed wood and plastic

Reuse of fly ash in concrete Play structure and soft surface made of recycled tires and bottles

Tankless water heaters

Dual flush toilets, low-flow taps and shower heads

California native plants - no lawn

Low VOC paint

Formaldehyde-free insulation

Low E windows and radiant barrier

ENERGY STAR Appliances

Passive design with natural ventilation and daylighting 142 kilowatt photovoltaic system

Urban infill

Near public transportation

Walking distance to shopping, civic services and recreation

Storm water treated onsite using filters and a bioswale

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The benefits of reducing the environmental impact of your workplace are many and

growing, especially overhead cost reductions achieved by lowering energy and water use,

waste disposal, and even the number of parking spaces.

But going green in the office can also increase your competitiveness

not only by lowering costs but also by improving your companys reputation

in the marketplace. Your green credentials can:

Attract new customers by enhancing your reputation and brand awareness;

Encourage socially responsible investors who like green companies;

Create a feel-good factor in the workplace, encouraging staff retentionand recruitment.

Here are some simple steps you can take in the office to start:

Shut it down If 1,000 people turned off their computers when they went home,they would same 180 metric tons of CO2 emissions every year.

Take the train On average, flying contributes about 10 times as much carbon dioxideto the atmosphere as a similar journey by train.

Turn it down Simply by turning the thermostat down by 2F you can reduce yourenergy bill by 10%.

Recycle cartridges There are over 300 million inket cartridges thrown away every year inthe United States. Most of these could be reused many times by being refilled or remanufactured.

Insulate Almost 40% of all the heat used to heat your office escapes through the walls and roofspaces if they are not insulated.

Recycle cell phones In the US, over 425,000 are thrown away every day contributing tothe 1.5 billion pounds of e-waste every year, a number that is growing. Free e-recycling is available

via Recycle San Diego (Toll Free: 1-866-525-6655). The San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park

have installed cell phone collection boxes at their exits, so it's really easy to simply drop off those

old phones and accessories, working or not.

Turn off equipment Develop a system for turning off electrical office equipment. Simplecolored stickers in a prominent position on all electrical machines shows employees whether

machines should be left on or turned off. GREEN for machines, like computers, that can be

switched off when not in use. AMBER for machines, like photocopiers, that are best left switched

on during the day, as they take a long time to warm up, but can be switched off at the end of theday. RED for equipment, like answering machines, that must be kept turned on all the time.

Reduce and recycle paper Our consumption of paper in the US continues to rise byabout 20% every year. You can reduce use around the office by: printing double sided, having a

paper recycling bin under your desk, keeping electronic copies of files as opposed to storing hard

copies and including a message on the bottom of emails that states Is it worth a tree to print me?

A No-Bull EffortDoes your company measure up?

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Time to take a breakand test your green IQ.Complete the crossword below with

words and phrases from this issue ofgoGreen. Stumped? Look below for

the solution. No cheating!

Crossword Puzzle

19 Go Green

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Common Sense Meets Conservat

Being conscious of how your actions impact theenvironment is important you may not realize howmany little changes can make a big difference. It seems that

everyone is going green these days, but how do you measure

up? Answer each question , and tally up your answers at thebottom of the page.

1. My car is an appropriate size for my needs (score an a if you dont drive).

a. Definitely. Its compact and has incredible mileage.

b. I think so, but I guess its more than I need sometimes.

c. Not really.

d. No, but it looks great.

2. When possible, I take public transportation or try to carpool instead ofjust driving alone.

a. Of course!

b. I try to sometimes.

c. Id like to, but its easier just to drive myself.

d. Never. I always drive everywhere.

3. Recycling is it a major part of my daily life.

a. Yes. Im a recycling fanatic.

b. I recycle most of the time.

c. Once in a while, but I tend to forget.

d. Recycling? What a pain.

4. I unplug things, like phone chargers or computers when Im not using them.

a. Always. Saves energy.

b. Most of the time.

c. Not usually, but I try to remember to.

d. No Way. Its annoying to pick them back up.

5. I turn off lights when leaving a room, and avoid using unnecessary lights.a. Its second nature.

b. Sometimes, if I remember.

c. I dont really ever think about it.

d. The more lights the better!

6. I have replaced all the light bulbs in my house with compact fluorescent light bulbs.

a. Every last one.

b. I make an effort when a bulb blows to replace it with a CFL.

c. I have a couple of those squiggly things somewhere in my house.

d. Those things are not for me.

7. When buying your groceries, I take them home in re-usable bags insteadof going for plastic.

a. Definitely.

b. Yeah, Ive gotten better about it, when I remember them.

c. I dont have my own bags, but I try to use paper.

d. Plastic is so much easier. And I dont know about that organic stuff.

8. I think about where my food comes from, and buy local, organic producewhenever possible.

a. Always, local organic produce is better for my family and the planet.

b. I buy organic sometimes, and make an effort to look for locally grown veg

c. I consider these alternatives when they are affordable, but the pricedifference gets in the way.

d. All that organic, local mumbo jumbo is just hippie stuff.

9. Time to clean! Im going to reach for:

a. Renewable products that wont adversely impact the water supply.

b. I have some that I use once in a while.

c. I know I should, but I dont.

d. Id reach for toxic waste if it would get this *%& stain out.

10. Instead of constantly throwing away plastic bottles of water, do you usea re-usable water bottle?

a. Every day.

b. Once in a while, but not all the time.

c. I have one, but I never use it.

d. Its so much easier just to use the ones you can throw away.

11. I consider the impact of my travel and opt to take trains when possible.

a. Even if it adds a couple of hours to my travel, I find trains more convenieand responsible

b. Ive never really looked into it, but I would if it would make a difference.

c. Trains arent practical for me, but Ive cut down the number of unnecessacar and plane trips.

d. I dont have time to think about the carbon footprint of my travel.

12. I seek out news about new developments and technologies to help reducemy carbon footprint?

a. I look for new green news almost every day.

b. Im pretty knowledgeable about it.

c. I know how important it is to know, but I really dont know too much.

d. Not at all and I dont think I need to be.

Add up your responses Score 3 points for each A, 2 for each B, 1 for each C and 0 points for each D.36-30 Green: Congratulations! Youve made a considerable effort to reduce your impact on the environment and it shows. Spread the

to neighbors and friends, and help them be more green like you.

24-30 Light Green: You are taking lots of steps in the right direction remember, little fixes can result in big changes, so keep up the good wo

18-24 Beige: It seems like you are making some effort, but theres more you can do to change your habits. Check out this magazine forto help you green up!

12-24 Light Brown: You might have a few bad habits that are holding you back. from being as green as you can be. Youve gotlots of work to do!

Less than 12 Drab Brown: Get with the program greening your life isnt just about saving the planet, its living better and saving money!

How Green Are You? Take Our Quiz

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21 Go Green

1. Turn off unneeded lights, computersand appliances when not in use.

Think Fast:Ten Quick Ways to Change for the Better

By just making a few small changes, you can make a huge difference byusing less energy. Who would have thought it could be this easy to reduceyour impact on the environment.

2. Set your thermostat at 78 Fwhen youre home and 85 F

when you're away.

3. Use major appliancesafter 7 PM.

4. Unplug smallappliances whennot in use.

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Common Sense Meets Conservat

7. Close blinds, shades or drapesduring the hottest part of the

day to block the suns heat.

8. Turn off all unnecessarylights when leavingyour home.

9. Use cold water whenever possible towash clothes or rinse dishes.

10. Use low-flow devices onyour faucets and showers.

They can cut up to 11% ofyour water use, which will

help reduce your energyand water bills.

5. Use ceiling fans to help circulateair throughout the house.

6. Check weather-stripping arounddoors and caulking around

windows. Properly sealed doorsand windows help prevent

warm outside air fromentering the home.

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