Zero Emissions Day – Reducing My Carbon Footprint

On September 21^st, 2008, the environmental challenge known as Zero Emissions Day, or “ZeDay”, began. This world-wide movement aims to encourage the use of renewable energy sources and to “give the planet a day off” from emissions.

Simple ways to participate:

• Ride your bike or walk instead of driving, but if you must, consider carpooling or taking the bus
• Purchase food from your local farmers market. Locally produced items do not have to travel on planes, busses or trains to get to you
• Purchase used pre-owned items (like a table or lamp), and reuse and recycle items from your home
• Minimize your use of electricity unless it is from a renewable source
• Make it fun by cooking over a fire and enjoying outdoor activities

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
• CO₂ Emissions from:
  • Gallons of gasoline consumed
  • 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!

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