Global Environment Note #12
“Note on Global Environment from Hokkaido” is a special series that will send you a report of Environment of the world, Japan and Hokkaido NOW, and give you hints to begin Eco-friendly life Now, to reduce the GHG (Green House Gas) by 6%, in order to avoid the global warming.
The key for our 12th series is “81%”
The compact fluorescent lamps consume 81% less energy compared to incandescent electric lamps. Choosing energy-saving products would not only prevent global warming, but also saves electricity charges. Let us now think about energy-saving products that are both earth-friendly and housekeeping-friendly.
Reason for increased use of energy-saving products
Triggered by oil shock
For those over forty years of age, the 1970s oil shock may still be fresh in memory. There were sharp rises in oil prices, and gasoline and electricity prices also increased dramatically. Triggered by this oil shock, the automobile manufacturers and household electrical appliance makers began to develop energy-saving products. In recent years, the prevention of global warming has been added as another reason for companies to make efforts in developing energy-saving products.
Choose energy-saving products when switching electrical appliances
Saves the earth and family budget
When purchasing new electrical appliances, choose energy-saving products that consume less electricity. Electricity is produced using limited resources such as petroleum, coal, and uranium. Petroleum and coal are also the sources of CO2 emission. Therefore, choosing an energy-saving product will not only save resources, but also prevent global warming. Even if the product itself is expensive, the lower electricity charges make it more economical. The product is both economical and earth-friendly.
The newer products save more energy
The purchase of new product is a chance to switch to energy-saving style
Did you know that air conditioner, lighting, and refrigerator consumes more than half of the total household electricity consumption?
You can effectively conserve energy by choosing energy-saving products when purchasing new electrical appliances, and use the products wisely. For example, you can lower the electricity consumption to 2/3 by switching from 10 years old refrigerator to latest energy-saving product. Products such as air conditioner, TV, and laundry machine tend to be more energy-efficient as the product gets new.
Check the energy efficiency by label
The bigger the number of stars, the greater the energy efficiency!
“A unified energy efficiency label” is a method to inform consumers about the products’ energy efficiency. The label is used in products such as refrigerator, TV, air conditioner, and so on. A set of one to five stars is used to rank the energy efficiency of the products, with the increased number of stars representing higher energy efficiency. The label also informs about the annual electricity charges, and other various information. So please check the labeling when purchasing the household appliances.