Ten Percent in 2010 – The Beginning of the Slow Green Movement

Are you concerned about the effort it would take to make your family more energy efficient so you can actually reduce your energy bills? Are you afraid that asking for change will create resistance? Do you want success? Then do what successful dieters do - take it slow, set reasonable goals, and establish exciting rewards.


A dieter that reduces their calories by 10% a day for a year will lose 20 pounds at the end of the year. This slow weight loss usually results in the weight being kept off because the steps to achieve the goal are reasonable. How do you eliminate 200 calories? Drink 12-16 oz. less regular beer. Or, eat ¼ cup less M&M candies. Or, eat 2-3 less cookies. Or, eat 1 ounce less of potato chips (what you usually get at a fast food restaurant). In other words, do a little. Save a lot.

If you reduce your electrical usage by just 10% this year, and 10% again every year for the next six years, you will find that you have reduced your annual electrical use by 50%. A 50% reduction could mean that solar is an affordable option. It could mean that the accumulated savings result in a family vacation.

The average household in the U.S. uses about 900 kWh of electrical energy per month at an average cost of $1,034 per year. A 10% reduction means reducing your electrical needs by 90 kWh per month and saving nearly $ 86.00 for the year. How do you do that? Here’s one example:

Plug home electronics products - computers, printers, and entertainment equipment(TV, VCR, DVD) into power strips and turn them off when not in use – don’t leave them in stand-by mode    http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductCategory&pcw_code=HEF. This action alone may save $100/year, which is more than 10%, and took little effort.

Just imagine if everyone joined the Slow Green Movement. In six years, homes would be using 50% less electricity, and residential buildings would be having a huge impact on energy security – without the need for drastic, unsustainable change. Take it slow and steady. But, do it.