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Smart Choices for a Greener Tomorrow

Clean Wisconsin (Founded as Wisconsin�s Environmental Decade)
Your environmental voice since 1970.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2006
Contact:&nbsp Shauna Cook, Communications Director, Ofc: 608-251-7020, ext. 15

Smart Choices for a Greener Tomorrow

Clean air and clean water are fundamental to the lifestyle, health and income for Wisconsin citizens. The best ways to protect our lifestyle is for individuals and lawmakers to make smarter choices regarding natural resources. Every citizen should be working to preserve our great state. Former Governor and U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson founded Earth Day in 1970, to provide citizens with a forum for environmental issues and to promote environmental legislation. Let us honor his memory by making every day Earth Day.

In accordance with Nelson�s goals for Earth Day, Governor Doyle recently signed the Clean Energy Act in Green Bay, WI. �Today�s innovative technologies combined with abundant Wisconsin resources, like wind and agriculture byproducts, offer an opportunity to create new jobs and economic activity with clean, efficient and safe energy sources.&nbsp Wisconsin has the potential to become a powerhouse of 21st century energy and technology.&nbsp This Act received overwhelming bi-partisan support and strong citizen support,� said Keith Reopelle, Program Director for Clean Wisconsin.&nbsp �This law is an important step towards energy independence, reduced mercury and global warming pollution and lower energy bills for rate payers but the best stewards of the land are its users.�

Clean Wisconsin offers these everyday smart choices that will help create a greener tomorrow. Many of these changes will provide you savings on utility bills while protecting our natural resources.

Energy Efficiency �
1. If remodeling, replace old appliances with energy-star qualified models. ENERGY STAR� qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies that use 10-50% less energy and water than standard models. According to the Energy Star website, if just one in 10 homes used ENERGY STAR qualified appliances, the change would be like planting 1.7 million new acres of trees.
2. Install a programmable thermostat that can automatically adjust your home's temperature settings, allowing you to save energy while you're away or sleeping.
3. Have your heating and cooling equipment inspected each year and replace filters as recommended. Maintaining your furnace will keep it working at its peak efficiency.

Slowing Global Warming �
1. Plant additional trees around your home.
2. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs in your five most frequently used lights.
3. Car pool, bike or use public transportation as often as possible.
4. When purchasing your next vehicle, invest in a hybrid that gets up to 40 mpg.

Saving Water �
1. Fix leaking faucets or toilets right away. Most studies show that dripping faucets and leaking toilets account for as much as 14% of all indoor water use, (10 gallons per person of water lost per day).
2. Replace older toilets with a new water efficient model. Most models installed after 1994 can save a household between 8,000 � 20, 000 gallons of water per year. This one change can help conserve water and cut your water bill.
3. Only run a full dishwasher. A full dishwasher is more water efficient than washing the same load by hand.
4. Wait until you have a full load of laundry to run the machine or use the appropriate water level for your load if you cannot wait for a full load. If replacing your old washer, buy a high efficient front loading washer to save both energy and water.

Recycling �
1. Resell, pass on or donate items your household no longer uses.&nbsp You can resell items in resale shops, online auction sites or rummage sales.&nbsp You could also donate items to charitable organizations for reselling or reusing.&nbsp Find good homes for your kids� outgrown clothes and toys.&nbsp Most items are still in �new� condition because they outgrow them so quickly.
2. Use a canvas bag when shopping.&nbsp If you have a small purchase tell the clerk you don�t need a bag.&nbsp If you occasionally forget your canvas bag, keep a couple grocery bags in the trunk of your car.
3. Purchase products with a high-recycled content, even if they cost a little more.
4. Purchase longer-lasting quality products for your everyday use.&nbsp Landfills are cluttered with inexpensive small appliances and other electronics.

These simple ideas encourage the responsible use of our precious resources. Natural resources are fundamental to the Wisconsin lifestyle. Most citizens hunt, fish, canoe, hike and enjoy spending time outdoors and on our waterways.

�Residents need to understand the vital role they play in conservation, protection or waste reduction,� stated Reopelle. �Greener choices are simple and will have a positive impact on our natural resources.�

Clean Wisconsin, an environmental advocacy organization, protects Wisconsin�s clean water and air and advocates for clean energy by being an effective voice in the state legislature and by holding elected officials and corporations accountable.&nbsp Founded in 1970 as Wisconsin�s Environmental Decade, Clean Wisconsin exposes corporate polluters, makes sure existing environmental laws are enforced, and educates citizens and businesses. On behalf of its 10,000 members and its coalition partners, Clean Wisconsin protects the special places that make Wisconsin such a wonderful place to live, work and play.&nbsp Phone: 608-251-7020, Fax: 608-251-1655, Email: info@cleanwisconsin.org, Website: www.cleanwisconsin.org.
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