PCVLife

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 * PCV Life **
 * Come read about what other PCV's are doing at their site with environmental projects and camps.**
 * EWG Fall Newsletter. See what you can do to help the environment at your site. See what PCVs are currently doing in Ukraine.**

[|Download Here](**EWG Newletter)**

**BLOG**

 * Sunday, February12, 2012**

Welcome to the Environmental Working Group's Newsletter blog! Here we'll be posting environmental stories and updates. Check back with us as we get this started.

For Addition Blog Posts and information please click this link now! http://ewgnewsletter.blogspot.com/ media type="custom" key="8617502"
 * Five easy things you can do to save money and energy throughout your day. **

= Buy a Water Filter =

The Container Recycling Institute reports that nearly 60 million bottles are thrown away every day – in the United States alone. If you do have some bottles, remember to “recycle” them, by donating them to local babas, who use them in their homes and in markets selling their home-made products.
 * Why? **
 * Using water filters, rather than buying plastic water bottles, can save more than a month’s living allowance throughout service
 * 78% less water cost throughout service
 * Reduce the number of bottles going to landfills. Bottles take 450 years to decompose
 * The Situation **

= = = Unplug Appliances When Not in Use =

Why?

 * These appliances can account for 5-10% of electrical use
 * Save on energy bills for your school

The Situation
Many electronic devices (phones, cameras, TVs, computer monitors, DVD players) draw power simply by being plugged into an outlet. This is called "phantom energy" or "vampire energy" - Unplugging cell phones and computers at night, and power strips before you travel is an easy way to conserve energy, You’ll also save energy if you remember not to charge items such as ipods and computers overnight –these items do not require that much time to be fully charged.

= Use Your Electric Heater Wisely =

** Why? **

 * Save on energy bills for your school
 * Reduce safety risks

** The Situation **
Our electric heaters are incredibly energy intensive, but we understand, sometimes necessary. To save energy, while keeping yourself warm, remember to keep the door shut to the room you want to heat. For safety reasons – and to promote energy efficiency – always turn your heater off before you leave you home and never use it as a drying rack for freshly laundered clothes.

= = = Fix Leaks and Windows =

** Why? **

 * Leaking faucets can waste up to two liters of water an hour
 * Can save precious water resources
 * Proper insulation can reduce bills by 10%
 * Save money on your landlord's bills

** The Situation **
Water leaks are a complete waste of a very limited resource. Sealing air leaks on windows and proper insulation can reduce energy consumptions. Be sure to talk openly with your landlord about household repairs.

= Invest in CFL Light Bulbs = = =

** Why? **

 * CFLs use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs
 * CFLs last 10 times longer than alternatives
 * CFLs can pay for themselves in six months of use

** The Situation **
Traditional incandescent bulbs waste significant amounts of energy through heating the wire filaments to produce light. CFLs, though more expensive initially, last for much longer. So don’t be frightened by the higher costs. Remember when you install your new CFLs, to achieve maximum efficiency, they should be protected from extreme temperatures.

media type="custom" key="9034504" In order to help volunteers and EWG members keep up to date on what the EWG is currently working on, we have provided the task lists from our meetings.


 * [|September 2009]
 * [|May 2010]
 * [|September 2010]
 * [|February 2011 (New Form)]