Simple ways to save energy can make a big difference in the big picture - and save families lots of money each year, too.

1) Installing CFLs in every fixture in the house, or office, knocks hundreds of killowatts off electricity usage, and can save you hundreds of dollars annually. The bulbs cost more than incadescent bulbs, but they last longer and savings are recouped within a month... a very worthwhile investment.

2) Applying solar film to east and west facing windows helps keep the house cooler, cutting back 37% or more of the solar heat, especially on our 100 degree plus summer days. You can get good prices for this stuff online... just search for solar film.

 3) Awnings and porch covering also help keep the house cool...

...and the coolest thing about these latter two solutions is that even if you do combine them with air conditioning, your air conditioner will work more efficiently because you've cut down on the heat pouring into your house.

4) Lobby the city to synchronize stoplights and adjust green light sessions to better accomodate heavy traffic during rush hour. Imagine all the gas we can save, and pollution we can limit, by simply NOT sitting stuck in traffic, especially on the westside in late afternoon.

5) I don't commute to work, so it's a bit bossy for me to tell others what to do, but I really believe that anyone who works for a large business or institution (like schools, government offices, etc) should lobby for carpools, or try to organize them on your own. If every person carpooled with one other person, a huge number of vehicles would be taken off the road, and huge numbers of gallons of gas would not be used... just a suggestion.

ALL other suggestions are welcome so please join in. I'm especially interested in people's ideas about implementing solar here - we have so much sunshine!