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Conservation begins with you
and the things that you do at home every day!
The word “conservation” is used a lot these days, especially when it comes to fuel, money, savings, and energy.
Sometimes the word has negative connotations because people immediately think they
have to do without something. But, according to The American Heritage Dictionary,
conservation doesn’t mean doing without — it means “the act or process of conserving
— carefully or sparingly, avoiding waste.”
Because we all want to breathe clean air, drink pure water, and ensure that future
generations are able to do the same, all of us need to be concerned about protecting
the environment and conserving our natural resources.
The Public Service Commission, the agency charged with regulating most utilities
in Florida, has recognized the importance of educating consumers about the growing
need to conserve the state’s limited energy and water resources. This booklet gets
right to the heart of conservation. It contains a variety of ideas on ways to use
energy and water wisely and to make homes more energy-efficient. Following these
simple steps will help you save money now and in the future by helping to reduce
your energy and water needs.
Many of the tips require little effort — weatherstripping doors and windows, planting
shrubs that require little water and trees to shade your home, installing low-flow
shower heads and water restrictors.
Some suggestions are more involved — wrapping your water heater, buying energy-efficient
appliances, and considering the purchase of a heat pump for your home. Other conservation
tips may require a change in habits — keeping the thermostat at an energy-efficient
setting, using the dishwasher only when full, and not letting your kitchen sink
water run excessively.
Utilities understand that conservation and the efficient use of resources must be
considered as a responsible approach to protecting the environment and reducing
costs. Electric and water utilities are encouraging their customers to use less,
recognizing that our resources are finite and that building new power plants is
a huge economic burden. All of us working together will ensure that future generations
have a safe, clean environment and an adequate supply of energy and water.