Getting Ready for Zero Emissions Day

The worldwide movement known as Zero Emissions Day, or ZeDay, began on September 21st, 2008, and aims to encourage the use of renewable energy sources to “give the planet a day off” from emissions. As we get closer to ZeDay 2021, it’s a great time to prepare for how you can safely participate in this environmental challenge.

Simple steps to participate:

1) Make a plan

  • Think of ways that are easy and make sense for you to reduce your energy spend
  • Is bike riding or carpooling for the day possible?
  • Do you have solar or battery powered devices you can utilize?
  • Preplan meals that can be made with minimal energy spend such as grilling or cooking over an open fire and preparing foods such as salads that don’t require being cooked

2) Join the ZeDay movement

  • Implement your plan for the day
  • Minimize your use of electricity unless it’s from a renewable source. Check out these tips for simple ways to “go green”
  • Purchase food from your local farmers market. Locally produced items do not have to travel on planes, buses or trains to get to you
  • Reduce, reuse and recycle

3) Make an impact

Does reducing emissions really make an impact? The Environmental Protection Agency has developed a Greenhouse Gases Equivalencies Calculator which shows the equivalencies for energy-related emissions reductions so each individual can see their impact as it relates to their lifestyle. Some of the different categories include:

Greenhouse Gas Emissions from:

  • Number of passenger vehicles driven for one year
  • Miles driven by an average passenger vehicle
  • Gallons of gasoline consumed

CO2 Emissions from:

  • Homes’ energy use for one year
  • Propane cylinders used for home barbecues
  • Number of smartphones charged

Greenhouse Gas Emissions avoided by:

  • Tons of waste recycled instead of landfilled
  • Wind turbines running for a year
  • Incandescent lamps switched to LED

Carbon Sequestered by:

  • Tree seedlings grown for ten years
  • Acres of US forests preserved from conversion to cropland in one year

How can I go green?

AEP Energy offers environmentally-friendly alternatives to traditional electricity plans like solar options with AEP Energy Solar Marketplace, as well as ECO-Advantage®, which matches 100% of your electricity usage with national Green-e® Energy certified, wind Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and Reward Store where you can find energy-efficient and connected-home products which help reduce energy spend, emissions and can save you money! Find a renewable plan that’s right for you!

AEP Energy does not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, freedom from error, or value of any information herein. The information presented is provided “as is”, “as available”, and for informational purposes only, speaks only to events or circumstances on or before the date it is presented, and should not be construed as advice, a recommendation, or a guarantee of future results. AEP Energy disclaims any and all liabilities and warranties related hereto, including any obligation to update or correct the information herein. Summaries and website links included herein (collectively, “Links”) are not under AEP Energy’s control and are provided for reference only and not for commercial purposes. AEP Energy does not endorse or approve of the Links or related information and does not provide any warranty of any kind or nature related thereto.

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