Energy Horoscope

Channeling Energy March 2009
How will you use your energy this month? The choice is up to you. A healthy environment and economy relies on the decisions and free will of energy citizens. Check your sign each month for an energy tip or fact to help you better use your energy.

 

 

Aries March 21 – April 19
Overwhelmed by the complexity of Canada’s energy system? If you’ve been overhearing friends and family debating about various issues in the energy industry and you’re not in tune with the politics around energy policy and regulation, maybe it’s time you did a little homework. Should government impose emissions caps or operation restrictions? Should they subsidize green energy? Don’t worry so much about establishing an official opinion over night, but at least if you read up on the issues, you will be able to participate in the conversations.

Taurus April 20 – May 20
Feeling a little more low-voltage than usual? If you’re not in the mood to go out and play, curl up on the couch with friends and watch a movie. However, you should be cognizant of how much energy you’re consuming. It’s a step in the right direction to watch television with multiple people rather than having multiple televisions on. Consider some other TV energy saving practices such as turning down the LCD’s backlight, turning on the power-saver mode or reducing light output in your TV settings.

Gemini May 21 – June 20
In the mood to feel warm and fuzzy? That might be difficult if your grasp of finances is, well, fuzzy. As Canada winters generally continue even into April, you may want to consider ways of cooling your heating costs through home energy conservation – that is if you haven’t already. Consider washing your clothes in cold water, sealing windows, covering your hot water tank, or even something as simple as opening your drapes for some free, natural warming sun heat.

Cancer June 21 – July 22
Have enough energy to travel? Chances are, you’re using too much. If you’re going a short distance, like to the next city, consider the full travel time catching a plane requires, such as the time it takes to find parking, walk to the airport, go through security, etc. Perhaps it would take just as long to catch a train or ferry, which produces fewer emissions. If it’s long-distance travel, consider purchasing carbon offsets. Canadian companies like West Jet actually have carbon offset programs built right into their flight reservation options.

Leo July 23 – August 22
Hey Leo, is that a meal you’re cooking? If so, start by thinking small… small pans and cookware (which require less energy to heat up) plus a small oven (which uses less energy) equals small energy use overall. Working with a gas stove? Then, make sure the flame burns blue and not yellow as that indicates the gas isn’t being used as efficiently. Also, make sure your metal burner pans under the burners are clean and shiny so they reflect heat better back up to the pan. Cover pots to save heat, don’t overcook food and don’t open the oven door to check if food is done so often – that wastes heat!

Virgo August 23 – September 22
Grrrr… living with others can be so frustrating! They leave lights, radios and televisions on when nobody is in the room and sometimes they like to drink directly from the milk carton while standing in front of an open fridge. If you’re annoyed because your roommate, spouse or family members aren’t as energy conscious as you are, there are ways to address the problem without being confrontational. Consider introducing an energy calculator to the household and tracking various measurements and goals in an open place like on the fridge. A good resource for such tools is the Government of Canada website.

Libra September 23 – October 22
Looking for a bright idea? Who isn’t? But a bright idea that’s cheap is a whole other story. Start with lighting. Consider using incandescent bulbs instead of regular bulbs as they produce the same amount of light as two 60-watt bulbs while using less energy. Also, clean light fixtures to reduce dust build-up, and place lamps in a spot, such as a corner, where light can reflect off two walls instead of just one.

Scorpio October 23 – November 21
Looking for a little fun? Instead of bottling up your energy indoors, try indulging in fun, outdoor activities. The days are getting longer now, so why not enjoy it? The more you’re out and about, walking the dog or taking artsy photos of ice melting on the river, the less electricity you’re using at home. When the sun goes down, unleash the child inside and do less energy intensive activities like playing board games or reading comic books. If you can’t stand being away from electronics or surfing the Internet for too long, check out these energy efficient cartoons.

Sagittarius November 22 – December 21
Diet time again? Maybe think about slimming down on your energy use. Try to stand back, objectively observe your own habits, and consider practical ways of incorporating a lower energy diet in your lifestyle. If you happen to be in the Hamilton area, consider attending Environment Hamilton’s ‘Energy Efficiency Workshop’ from March 7th to 8th. Either that or take out a good book, such as ‘The Home Energy Diet’ and learn how to save by making your home energy smart.

Capricorn December 22 – January 19
If you have enough energy to go to work, maybe think about how you can save some while you’re in the office. Consider heating, such as setting lower temperatures in unused areas or low occupancy times, or ensuring radiators are not being blocked by furniture. Think about lighting, such as using low wattage lights and switching off lights in unused rooms. As well, consider electrical equipment, such as switching off unused computers, using energy saving software and purchasing energy efficiency rated equipment.

Aquarius January 20 – February 18
Dealing with elderly relatives? If so, don’t try to impress them with your modern, progressive outlook on environmentalism. They may not be as aware of new energy technology, but even so, the impetus to live green has been around for ages, and chances are, if they lived through the war, they have more ideas on how to recycle and reuse than you do.

Pisces February 19 – March 20
In need of change? How about a major change? If so, consider exploring the rapidly growing green industry. If you’re an engineer, geologist, public relations specialist, computer scientist or a biologist, you’re in high demand in this industry, according to ECO Canada. In particular, the energy industry is looking for greener technologies to help mitigate climate change. If you live in Ontario, there are many opportunities opening as the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) just awarded long-term contracts for six green energy projects, which are expected to create 2,200 new jobs.