Sustaining Success
The University of Delaware's newest bus, a 22-foot, 22-seat vehicle that runs on hydrogen, tooled around downtown Wilmington on Monday, Nov. 16, carrying some very important riders. U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper (D-Del.), U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle (R-Del.) and Wilmington Mayor James Baker sat inside chatting about various options for transport in the region.
"Does it smell like French fries?" Colin Sweeney is used to hearing that question when he tells people about his 1986 Mercedes SDL, which he has converted to run on cooking oil. His answer? "No, it actually smells kind of sweet."
Suggestions
Energy
Energy usage in the First State
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources is looking for input to develop Delaware's New 5-Year Energy Plan. Please take the following survey regarding important Energy Issues facing Delaware to let the department know what is important to you. Input is needed on what Energy Issues should be studied to provide a path forward for Delaware's Energy Future. Take the Delaware Energy Survey
Extensive information about energy usage in the First State can be found at the Delaware Energy Office web site: www.energy.dnrec.delaware.gov/
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that you save energy through the following means:
- Set your thermostat comfortably low in the winter and comfortably high in the summer. Install a programmable thermostat that is compatible with your heating and cooling system.
- Use compact fluorescent light bulbs.
- Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.
- Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.
- Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips;turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use (TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several watts of power).
- Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120° F.
- Take short showers instead of baths.
- Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.
- Drive sensibly. Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gasoline.
- Look for the ENERGY STAR® label on home appliances and products. ENERGY STAR® products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
