Reducing global warming can seem an overwhelming challenge. The good news is that each of us can take steps, large and small, to reduce our energy use and the greenhouse gas emissions. The benefits are enormous, as we cut our energy dependence and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.

Today families and businesses are consuming more energy than ever before. We have added computers, televisions, and other electronic appliances to our lives. We have more cars, bigger homes and air travel is at an all time high. All of these conveniences increase our carbon footprint. Below are five ways Robison can help you significantly reduce your carbon footprint without affecting your lifestyle, and actually save money as well.

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1. Turn down, turn off, and unplug. Use programmable thermostats to keep the temperature of your home comfortable when you're there and lower when you're away or at night. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to identify the most energy effi cient appliances, computers, light fi xtures and many other electrical conveniences. Robison sells & installs thermostats and other energy saving products.

2. Get an energy waste audit, then invest in home improvements. At Robison our staff of energy experts can perform a low cost energy audit on your home that will outline the areas where you can save energy and money. For example, replace your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent ones available through Robison.

3. Use solar power energy. Solar energy is an essential component of responsible energy strategy that reduces pollution and green house gases. Your hot water tank is usually the second largest consumer of energy in your home. Consider a Robison installed solar hot water heater or solar electricity for your home. A solar hot water system reduces your carbon emissions by the equivalent of recycling 61,000 cans of soda a year.

4. Use Robison bio fuel heating oil. Bio fuel is a cleaner burning alternative fuel, produced from any fat or vegetable oil, such as soy bean oil. It can be mixed with petroleum heating oil. Bio fuel is simple to use, is biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur, and reduces carbon emissions.

5. Purchase Robison's wind generated electricity NOT created by burning fossil fuels. When you purchase wind generated electricity from Robison, the clean electricity is delivered to the New York power grid on your behalf, reducing the need for energy produced from other resources. (Using wind power at your home is the equivalent of planting 427 trees a year.)

• Sign up with a green energy supplier, like Robison, who will supply electricity from renewable sources (e.g. wind and hydroelectric power) - this will reduce your carbon footprint contribution from electricity to zero – the equivalent of planting 427 trees a year
• Turn it off when not in use (lights, television, DVD player, Hi Fi, computer etc. etc. ...) A lot of appliances draw electricity when they are off. Flat screen televisions and home computers are the biggest culprits. Be sure the power is off and not on standby
• Use a programmable thermostat - remember there is no point heating the house after you have left for work
• Fill your dish washer and washing machine with a full load - this will save you water, electricity, and washing powder
• Fill the kettle with only as much water as you need
• Do your weekly shopping in a single trip
• Carpool whenever possible

• Compact florescent energy saving light bulbs- available on this website
• Insulate your hot water tank, attic, and walls if possible
• 35% of heat generated in the house is lost through the walls and attic. Installing insulation to a medium size house could reduce your heating bills by as much as $1000 per year
• Install a solar hot water system, the additional cost is paid back within the first four years
• Replace your old heating and air conditioning equipment (if it is over 15 years old), with new energy star rated equipment, you can reduce energy consumption by 25%

• Car share to work, or for the kids school and activities
• Use the bus or a train rather than your car
• See if your employer will allow you to work from home one day a week
• Next time you replace your car - check out diesel engines. With one of these you can purchase low sulfur bio diesel.
• When on holiday - hire a bicycle to explore locally rather than a car
• When staying in a hotel turn the lights and air-conditioning off when you leave your hotel room

• Don't buy bottled water if your tap water is safe to drink. The plastic bottles are an environmental nightmare.
• Don't buy fresh fruit and vegetables which are out of season, they have been flown in or shipped long distances
• Don't buy over packaged products
• Recycle as much as possible
• Think carefully about the type of activities you do in your spare time. Do any of these cause an increase in carbon emissions? e.g. Saunas, heated pools, boating, go-carting, etc...