Coal still powers 42% of U.S. electric generation capacity as of 2019, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. If you live in a coal-powered region, your electricity use contributes more CO2 emissions than regions that rely on renewable energy and hydroelectric power. Taking a few simple steps to reduce your power consumption can lead to big changes in greenhouse gas emissions — if we all pull together.
In this Earth911 Quiz, check your knowledge about how much your daily household tasks can reduce equivalent coal consumption. And if you live in an area that uses renewable energy, share this information with friends or family who rely on coal-fired electricity.
Earth911 Quiz #87: Coal-fired Energy Reduction Challenge
Coal still powers 42% of U.S. electric generation capacity as of 2019, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. If you live on a coal-powered region, your electricity use contributes more CO2 emissions than regions that rely on renewable energy and hydroelectric power. Taking a few simple steps to reduce your power consumption can lead to large changes in greenhouse gas emissions — if everyone pulls together. In this Earth911 Quiz, check your knowledge about how much your daily household tasks can reduce equivalent coal consumption. And if you live in an area that uses renewable energy, share this information with friends or family who do rely on coal-fired electricity.
How much coal is saved by using cold water for four out of five washer loads of clothing?
Hot water must be heated using electricity, which adds carbon emissions to every load of laundry you do. How much coal would you save by switching four of five loads of laundry to cold water?
How much CO2 can you avoid emitting by reducing microwave use by 10 minutes a day?
That microwave popcorn you make each evening carries a significant carbon footprint when you rely on coal-fired electricity. How much CO2 would you prevent fron entering the atmosphere if you used your microwave 10 minutes less per day?
How much CO2 can you avoid by turning off a desktop computer overnight?
Computers use electricity when they are idle, and in coal-fired electricity territory that means CO2 is emitted even when your computer is not in use. How much CO2 would you avoid emitting by turning off your desktop computer 12 hours a day in a coal-burning region?
How much coal-produced CO2 can you avoid by switching to solar power?
The Tesla Model 3 has a 75 kWh battery pack with a 322-mile range. If you drive your car 12,000 miles a year, how much CO2 can you avoid producing by switching from a coal-fired charting source to a solar one with no related emissions?
How much CO2 can you eliminate in coal-fired electricity regions by turning off the air conditioner for two hours?
Air conditioning is one of the largest sources of CO2 emissions, especially in coal-fired power regions. How or much CO2 could you prevent from reaching the atmosphere by turning off your air conditioning for just two hours a day during the six warmest months of the year?
Making smart sustainable choices requires practice. Earth911’s weekly sustainability quiz helps you hone your ability to recognize earth-friendly products, services, and practices. Through your daily choices — from transportation mode to purchases to waste disposal — you can make a positive difference.
The post Quiz #88: Coal-fired Energy Reduction Challenge appeared first on Earth 911.
