Reduce your Carbon Footprint

Energy Savings Hub

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched the “Energy Savings Hub” — a new online one-stop shop for American families and consumers to access the savings tools made available to drastically cut energy costs. 

Energy Savings Hub | Department of Energy

At Home

  • Calculate Your Carbon Footprint  Use the EPA's free online household calculator to measure what impact your everyday actions can have on the environment. 
  • Change a Light: Replace frequently used incandescent light bulbs with LED Light bulbs. 30 LED light bulbs account for only 451 pounds of CO2 per year as opposed to 4500 pounds for 30 incandescent light bulbs.
  • Use Less Hot Water - Wash Only Full Loads in Your Washing Machine & Take Shorter Showers: The water heater is a large user of energy in most homes. 
  • Adjust Your Thermostat: Cool your home at 78° or warmer with the thermostat fan set to “auto.” Raise the temperature to 82° or warmer when you are away from home. 
  • Clean Air Conditioning Filters: Clean your A/C filters monthly to save energy and money on cooling costs.
  • Purchase Energy Star® Appliances: Look for Energy Star® rated products including televisions, refrigerators, dishwashers, air conditioners, etc.
  • Unplug Unused Electronics: When electronic devices are turned off, but still plugged in, they continue to use energy.
  • Limit the Time You Run Your Pool Pump: In summer months, no more than six hours a day. In winter, no more than four hours a day.
  • Avoid Using Multiple Refrigerators: If you have an extra refrigerator that is not kept full or is hardly used, turn it off or dispose of it properly.
  • Reduce Garbage: Buy products with less packaging. Recycle (paper, plastic, cardboard and glass) and composting. 
  • Take an Online Home Energy Survey: Visit  FPL’s website ( www.fpl.com) 
  • Plant Native Drought-Resistant Plants. Click on the link to see a list of plants and other gardening solutions from the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

On the Road

  • Inflate Your Tires: Keep the tires on your car properly inflated and check the pressure monthly.
  • Change Your Car’s Air Filter: Check your car’s air filter monthly and change it when needed.
  • Give Your Car a Break: Leave your car at home. Walk, bike, carpool, or use mass transit (such as the Coral Gables Trolley).
  • Drive a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle or Alternative Fuel Vehicle: Getting a few extra miles per gallon makes a big difference. Saves thousands of pounds of CO2  and a lot of money per year.

In Office & At School

  • Use Recycled Paper & Print On Both Sides: Be sure to purchase 100% post-consumer recycled paper.
  • Shut down Computers at Night: Shut down or turn off computers, monitors, printers and speakers each night.
  • Use Power Strips: Plug all electronics into power strips and turn them off each night to save more energy.
  • Program Copy Machines: Have them enter sleep and shut-down modes after a selected time (set to Energy Saving Mode). Additionally, set copy machines to print double-sided by default.
  • Purchase Green Products: Including green cleaners, fuel-efficient vehicles, and Energy Star® rated electronics and vending machines.
  • Receive an Energy Audit: Will identify cost-beneficial improvements for your facility. 
  • Conserve Water: Check all faucets, water fountains, toilets, and urinals for leaks and running water.

From Coral to Green Gables

A story of Coral Gables taking steps to protect the environment. 

Watch here