Info Sheets

Top Ten Conserver Actions

Use Green Power

 

Introduction 

Incorporating renewable energy into your home and adopting ways to make your energy use more efficient helps to shift a global dependence on non-renewable energy sources (fossil fuels).  From wind and solar power to investigating geothermal systems in your house, you can contribute to shifting this dependence and making a significant difference in the world by using green power.  How?  Check out Live Green Toronto’s How-to Video series for some inspiration and ideas to start.  They offer practical advice that feature real Torontonians going green at: “Live Green Videos“ Also, as an introduction, search “green power” at www.ted.com.  With the most up to date innovative material, TED provides an excellent platform to think about the diverse ways people are looking at the impact green power can have on the planet: Ted Videos / green power

Step One:  reduce your demand!
Renewable energy makes much more sense when your overall electricity demand is reduced through conservation.  If your monthly consumption is closer to 500 kWh instead of 1,000, then an investment in renewable energy will bring you that much closer to energy independence.

Step Two: buy green power
Now it is easier than ever to purchase renewable power for your home.  In reality, when you purchase a block of green power, it isn't actually delivered to your door. Your purchase is a guarantee that green power will be purchased and entered onto the grid, thereby offsetting the need for coal or nuclear power.

Consider it part of your contribution to a healthy environment and a statement of your opposition to the blind acceptance of a nuclear future.

1. Bullfrog Power http://www.bullfrogpower.com

Step Three: Join a community cooperative

1. Toronto -- Toronto Renewable Energy Co-operative
2. See the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association for more information on community power
3. See the Community Power Fund for information on financing a community power project.

Step Four: invest in your own system
From downtown to cottage country, there are ways that you can start to generate your own power, either as a back-up for power failures, to become self-reliant, and even to feed into the grid as a producer.

1. Be passive.  Passive systems are the cheapest way to go solar.  Heat
    
2. Audit your home.  It's a simple step that will start you on the road to energy savings and a more comfortable home.  See our winter heating page for information.

 2.  Community Projects

 Projects 

·         Windshare

·         Conservation for The Living City: The Renewable Energy Program

·         Partners in Project Green

·         Live Green Toronto’s “Eco-Roof Incentive Program”

Campaigns

• Ontario Clean Air Alliance

• Greenpeace’s fight against Nuclear Power

• Add it Up!

• Live Green Toronto’s suggested programs, incentives and rebates to help you use green power.  Click here: Save Energy

3. Key Organizations/Networks

·         Ontario Sustainable Energy Association

·         David Suzuki Foundation

·         Green Communities: Home Energy Solutions

·         ecoACTION: ecoENERGY

·         Natural Resources Canada

·         The Pembina Institute

4. More Resources

·         Delicious – to see articles and websites that CCO has recently tagged with “greenpower”, please visit this link

·         Great Green Directory – search the Great Green Directory for products, services, programs, financial incentives, and resources specific to the “Use Green Power” conserver action

·         EcoScore – learn what your ECOscore is! Take five minutes to rate yourself and find out where you want to improve as a conserver.