Florida Consumer E-Newsletter
October 2008
Charles H. Bronson
Commissioner
A Message from the Commissioner
Dear Friends:
I know that all of us have become increasingly concerned about the current health of our planet. Global warming, rampant pollution, disappearing rain forests and wildlife, and dying coral reefs are just some of the results of how our lifestyle choices have adversely impacted the environment. Fortunately, we are now more aware than ever about things that each of us can do to help create and maintain a sustainable environment for ourselves and our children. For example, communities are coming together to establish programs for recycling electronics and the reuse of plastics. More and more businesses have begun to promote reusable cloth bags, and non-toxic cleaners are inundating the shelves in grocery stores all across America. In addition to the societal and environmental impact, prudent consumer decision-making can provide a significant financial benefit.
By making efficient choices, the average family can save about a third on their energy bill, as well as reduce their level of greenhouse emissions by a similar amount without sacrificing features, style, or comfort. “Going Green” can mean a considerable savings for Floridians, which makes good consumer sense in tough economic times.
For additional consumer information, visit us online at www.800helpfla.com, or you can speak with a consumer service specialist at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) if calling within Florida, 850-488-2221 from outside of Florida or en Español 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832).
Sincerely,
The following are some simple things consumers can do that will have a positive impact on their wallet, while minimizing negative effects on the environment:
Save Power
- Replace your regular incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents. These bulbs provide as much light as regular bulbs while using just one-fourth the energy. A regular incandescent 60-watt bulb will cost less to buy, but will oftentimes need to be replaced at least once a year. Compare that to a 15-watt compact fluorescent bulb, which may cost you $5, but may last you as long as 10 years. Additionally, compact fluorescent bulbs cost about $1.20 a year to operate, while a standard bulb costs about $4.80.
- The next time you’re in the market for an appliance, be sure to purchase one that has a blue sticker “energy star” insignia. These products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy and use less energy than standard models. You may also notice a large yellow sticker labeled “EnergyGuide” on items such as water heaters, dishwashers, and refrigerators. This EnergyGuide will help in comparing the energy usage of different models. Appliances which are more energy efficient will cost you less to operate and lower your utility bills, while reducing the impact on the environment.
Save Gas
- Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle. Reducing the weight in your car by 100 lbs. can increase your fuel economy by up to 2%.
- Keep your vehicle in good repair. Replacing your air filters regularly, keeping your engine tuned, and changing your oil based on the manufacture’s suggested maintenance schedule can increase fuel economy by up to 10%. Even simple things like keeping your tires properly inflated and aligned can save 3% in fuel costs.
- Drive responsibly and observe the posted speed limit. Aggressive driving (i.e. rapid acceleration, erratic braking, and speeding) can lower your vehicle’s miles per gallon (mpg) ratio by 33% on the highway and 5% in-town. Speed should be a particular point of emphasis when you consider the fact that mpg rapidly decreases at speeds above 60 mph. For every 5 mph you drive over 60 mph, it’s like you’re paying an additional $0.26 per gallon more for your fuel.
Save Resources – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
- Although 75% of what we throw in the trash each week could potentially be recycled, only 25% actually ends up in a recycling facility. Take advantage of your community’s curbside recycling program by separating aluminum, glass, paper, plastic, and steel from your regular trash and recycle these reusable products. If your community does not participate in a curbside program, consider starting one of your own. You could be reimbursed by a recycling facility for your waste.
- Consumer electronic waste (also known as e-waste) creates a significant burden on landfills. Toxic substances from these items can leach into the soil and groundwater, poisoning us and the environment. An estimated 44 million computers and televisions were disposed of in 2006 alone. As much as 70% of the heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium and mercury, in landfills come from e-waste. These items shouldn’t even be viewed as waste, as they are an excellent resource for useful materials such as glass, copper, aluminum, plastic, and other components that can often be extracted and reused. Call your local recycling facility to ask where you can dispose of your e-waste safely.
- Try composting your vegetable kitchen scraps. Composting will reduce the amount of food waste in your garbage can, while creating nutrient-rich fertilizer for your garden.
Remember, we’re all in this together. Putting a little thought into something as simple as how we dispose of our garbage, or what light bulbs we use, can make a huge difference in the way we utilize our resources, thus greatly improving the health of the world around us.
Additional Resources
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The links below are for your information only. The goal of the Division of Consumer Services is to provide additional information to consumers. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services does not review or confirm these sites for accuracy.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
This microsite provides information on energy labeling for consumer products, retail sales of electricity, environmental marketing claims, insulation and home energy issues, and fuel and automotive products.
Additional FTC Info: EnergyGuide Labels | Sorting Out 'Green' Advertising Claims
Earth 911
Earth 911 delivers actionable local information on recycling and product stewardship that empowers consumers to act locally, live responsibly and contribute to sustainability.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
The 2008 Florida Energy Bill (House Bill 7135) signed into law by Governor Crist created Section 403.7032, Florida Statutes. This establishes a new statewide recycling goal of 75% to be achieved by the year 2020.
