First report on the Energy Committee’s survey
What ways of saving energy are most popular in Truro? The Energy Committee asked our fellow citizens in a mailed (and on-line) questionnaire a couple of years ago, and got 215 responses. Here are some highlights from answers to seven of the 34 questions:
Recycle. Most of us have discovered that recycling is easy, once you get used to it, and that it’s a simple way to make a contribution to the environment. A full 75% said that they recycle as much as they can—more than just newspapers, cans, and bottles; only 2% said that they recycle very little or nothing.
Turn off those lights. Probably the easiest way to save energy is simply to turn out the lights when you leave a room; the problem is just to remember, or to get into the habit so that it’s automatic. Half of our citizens say they always do it, and it goes up to a striking 97% when we add in those who respond “Usually.”
Turn off the TV, radio, etc. when the room is empty. Only 3% of Truro folks do it only occasionally or less, and 58% say they always do.
Turn off computer, printer, etc. at night. Not quite as much a no-brainer, but still a majority (56%) always do it. Do some people still believe the urban myth that switching an electronic machine off and on wastes more than leaving it on or “asleep”? The form didn’t ask that kind of question.
Be moderate with thermostat settings. A good majority (64%) follow this practice in the winter, choosing a temperature no higher than 68° F. Almost 3/4 of the respondents do not have A/C in the summer; among those who do, there was no clear tendency to use more or less energy-efficient settings.
Use energy-efficient windows. A bare majority said that all of their windows are multi-paned; only 17% have single-pane ones.
Watch for more findings in future newsletters.
Thanks to Bob Holt for constructing and tabulating this survey.